Luka Dončić says he was simply as shocked as the remainder of the basketball world when the Dallas Mavericks traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Though the commerce was first reported over the weekend, Dončić formally joined the Lakers on Tuesday, and says he’s already excited a couple of new chapter with LeBron James and his famed new crew.
“[News of the trade] was a giant shock,” Dončić mentioned. “It was exhausting moments for me. I needed to verify if it was [April Fools’ Day] … [But now] I get to play within the biggest membership on the planet, and I’m excited for this new journey.”
The Lakers traded Anthony Davis and Max Christie in a three-team deal to accumulate Dončić, who gained his first scoring title final season earlier than main the Mavs to the NBA finals. Dončić, nonetheless solely 25, is a five-time All-NBA choice.
Stars of Dončić’s age and accomplishments are virtually by no means traded, however Dallas determined to maneuver on from their franchise star – and the Lakers eagerly accepted. Dončić acknowledged he was shocked.
“Truthfully, it was exhausting at first,” Dončić mentioned. “That first day was actually exhausting. I felt like these final 48 hours was one month. Emotionally, it was actually exhausting, however immediately was a lot better. I’m simply very completely happy to be right here for this chance. That is the Lakers. It’s probably the greatest golf equipment in historical past, so I’m excited to be right here.”
Lakers normal supervisor Rob Pelinka didn’t cover his pleasure at touchdown Dončić after they met with the media on the crew’s coaching complicated.
“Now we have one of many recreation’s greatest superstars and a world participant coming to affix the Lakers,” Pelinka mentioned. “I feel it’s going to be one thing extremely particular that the NBA and basketball has by no means seen earlier than.”
The commerce shocked the sports activities world, leaving many Mavs followers livid. Stories across the commerce – which indicated the Mavericks had been sad with Dončić’s dedication to his health – infuriated the participant’s father, Sasa, who mentioned his son “completely didn’t deserve this.”
Dončić hasn’t performed since Christmas due to a calf pressure, however he’s considered near a return to the court docket. The Lakers have 4 video games within the Los Angeles space within the subsequent seven days, together with a street recreation in opposition to the Clippers on Tuesday night time.
The Lakers additionally acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris within the commerce with Dallas.
Supply hyperlink
