Following their trade for the Slovenian superstar, Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka took questions on Tuesday. Doncic discussed his experience in Dallas and expressed his disbelief at the transfer.
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Luka Don i was introduced as a Los Angeles Laker on Tuesday.
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The Dallas Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers for forward Anthony Davis.
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Don i called his time in Dallas an “amazing journey.”
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Luka Don i was introduced as a Los Angeles Laker on Tuesday.
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The Dallas Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers for forward Anthony Davis.
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Don i called his time in Dallas an “amazing journey.”
Los Angeles:For the first time since his surprise trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Don I responded to questions from reporters.
Luka Don i reacts to Mavs-Lakers trade
On Tuesday, Luka Doncic and Rob Pelinka, the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, gave a press conference. Among the pivotal moments are Luka’s explanation of how he learned of the transfer, his reflections on his stint in Dallas, and his remarks regarding whether he wished to remain in Dallas. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and Mavs general manager Nico Harrison also talked about the trade’s process.
Don claims that when he learned that he had been dealt, he was just as shocked as everyone else.
“I received a call just as I was about to fall asleep. I needed to confirm that it was April 1st. At first, I didn’t think it was true. I said, “It was a huge shock.”
READ MORE: After trading Luka Don I to the Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks lost almost a million Instagram followers.
The Slovenian sensation, 25, claims that receiving the news was difficult.
“The first day was quite challenging. “This past 48 hours felt like a month to me,” he remarked. “It was much better today. I’m simply thrilled to have this chance to be here.”
Luka remarked that he enjoyed incredible times with his teammates, coaches, and supporters while he was in Dallas.
“They always supported me, and it was an amazing journey,” he stated.
Don stated that he intended to spend his whole career in Dallas.
“I think loyalty is a big word for me, and I was trying to stay by that,” he stated.
Luka was asked his thoughts on the trade of both him and general manager Nico Harrison by the Mavericks.
“I have nothing to say about that; that’s their decision. I’m not sure why they made that choice, but it’s theirs. “There is nothing I can do about that,” I said to Don.
READ MORE: American Airlines Center removes Luka Doncic banners
Luka shook his head when asked if someone in his camp had told the Mavericks that he wouldn’t have been willing to sign a supermax contract.
“Absolutely not,” responded he.
Rob Pelinka on trade discussions with Nico Harrison
Rob Pelinka, general manager of the Lakers, referred to the transaction as a “seismic event” in the NBA and hailed Nico Harrison, general manager of the Mavericks, for helping to make it happen.
Pelinka clarified that Harrison first presented him with the idea to transfer Luka over a coffee meeting in Dallas.
Kobe Bryant had previously collaborated with both general managers. Harrison was a Nike executive, and Pelinka was Bryant’s agent.
According to Pelinka, “there was a fabric of trust in the discussions,” “When the concept was originally introduced to us it was that, hey, the only way we can even have these discussions was if it was between owner and GMs and there was a commitment to that.”
According to the general manager of the Lakers, the trade negotiations lasted roughly three weeks.
Luka Don i Trade
December 15, San Francisco, California: On December 15, 2024, in San Francisco, California, Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks stands for the playing of the national anthem prior to their game versus the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. (Image courtesy of Ezra Shaw)
Before the teams acknowledged the transaction the following day, the Mavericks and Lakers’ agreement was first rumored late Saturday night.
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Dallas Mavericks receive:
Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LA Lakers first-round pick
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Los Angeles Lakers receive:
Luka Don i , Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
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Utah Jazz receive:
Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 LA Clippers second-round pick, 2025 Dallas Mavericks second-round pick
When will Luka Doncic play for the Lakers?
Don I is not anticipated to play when the Lakers meet the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.
When Don I will don the purple and gold uniform for the first time is still up in the air.
According to Pelinka, Luka is regarded as daily.
Due to a calf injury, Luka hasn’t played since Christmas Day.
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Don I had been planning to go back to court on February 8.
If so, the Lakers will visit the Staples Center to play the Indiana Pacers, who were coached by former Mavs coach Rick Carlisle.
Luka Doncic writes letter to Mavs fans after trade
Following the announcement that he would be moved to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, Luka Don I sent a letter to Mavericks supporters on Sunday. Go here to read it.
Los Angeles Lakers Schedule
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Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Los Angeles Clippers
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Thursday, Feb. 6 vs. Golden State Warriors
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Saturday, Feb. 8 vs. Indiana Pacers
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Monday, Feb. 10 vs. Utah Jazz
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Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Utah Jazz
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Wednesday, Feb. 19 vs. Charlotte Hornets
When do the Mavericks play the Lakers?
Luka Doncic, a former Mavericks standout, will be unveiled as the Los Angeles Lakers’ newest member this morning.
The Mavs and Lakers’ next meeting is set for February 25 in Los Angeles.
On April 9, the two teams will square off at Dallas’ American Airlines Center.
Luka Don i Stats
Based on the figures:
Having been selected to the first team All-NBA for each of the last five seasons, Don I is one of the NBA’s top rising talents.
With a trip to the NBA Finals the previous season and the Western Conference Finals in 2022, he also guided the Mavericks to postseason triumph.
Don I averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game during his time with Dallas.
Doncic’s average of 28.6 points ranks third in NBA history among players with at least 400 games, behind only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan, both of whom had averages of 30.1.
Throughout his NBA career, Don I has struggled with injuries.
Of the 49 games the Mavericks have played this season, he has only appeared in 22 of them. Since hurting his calf against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day, he has not been able to play.
Don I has averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game in those 22 games this season.
Mavs GM Nico Harrison on Don i Deal
What they’re saying:
With Mavs head coach Jason Kidd by his side, Nico Harrison opened up a news conference on Sunday by saying he understands the magnitude of the trade, but believes the trade sets up the culture he wants to see in the Mavericks.
“We’ve had a vision and a culture that we’ve wanted to create since we’ve been here and the players that we’re bringing in we believe exemplify that,” Harrison stated. “We think defense wins championships, and we’re bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league.”
Harrison did stop short of saying that Luka did not fit the culture the Mavericks are trying to build.
Many have speculated that Don i may have asked to be traded or told the Mavericks that he would not accept a contract extension when his current deal expires in a year and a half. Harrison said there had been no “verbal” indication that Don i did not plan to take the extension.
Harrison also said he only spoke to the Lakers about a possible deal.
The Mavericks GM says when he first presented the idea to Mavs Governor Patrick Dumont he laughed at him, but that he trusted Harrison to pull the trigger on the deal.
“I’m the one making the decision,” Harrison said. “Time will tell if I’m right.”
News Conference Updates
11:34 a.m.:The press conference ends and Luka holds up his number 77 jersey.
11:32 a.m.:Pelinka calls Luka a top 3 player in the universe.
11:27 a.m.:Luka jokes that Lakers coach JJ Redick could not move at all when he was his teammate on the Mavericks. Luka says he does not do podcasts, but did Redick’s twice, showing that the two have a good relationship.
11:25 a.m.:Pelinka says Luka is considered day-to-day with his calf injury. The Lakers are also expected to work with Luka’s medical team to make sure he is ready to play. It has been reported that the Mavericks were not happy with Luka’s team of medical advisors.
11:23 a.m.:Luka when asked if he indicated that he would not sign the supermax with the Mavericks: “Absolutely not.”
11:21 a.m.:Luka says he has no comment about Nico Harrison and the decision to trade him.
11:20 a.m.:”Loyalty is a big word for me,” Luka says when saying that he expected to stay in Dallas for his whole career. He says he likes the idea of having the ocean in Los Angeles.
11:19 a.m.:Luka says “it means a lot to him” that players, including rivals, have spoken out on his behalf following the trade.
11:18 a.m.:Luka says he was almost asleep when he first got the call and he had to check to make sure it wasn’t April 1.
11:15 a.m.:Pelinka says that the discussions about the trade started with discussions over coffee in Dallas.
11:13 a.m.:Luka says the first day after hearing the news was really hard and that the last 48 hours felt like a month. He says he is happy to be here.
11:12 a.m.:Luka says playing with LeBron James is a dream come true.
11:11 a.m.:Luka calls his time in Dallas an “amazing journey.”
11:10 a.m.:The first question of the news conference is about Doncic’s interaction with Kobe Bryant courtside at a game. Bryant spoke Slovenian to Doncic, surprising Doncic.
11:09 a.m.:Pelinka thanks the Dallas Mavericks and Nico Harrison. Pelinka calls Harrison “instrumental” in making the deal.
11:07 a.m.:Pelinka calls Luka joining forces with the Lakers a seismic event.
11:05 a.m.:We are underway. Luka is joined by Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
11:01 a.m.:Free 4 All will have a complete breakdown of today’s news conference and comments from Anthony Davis at 10:30 p.m.
10:55 a.m.:Media members have gathered at the Lakers facility in Los Angeles. Luka and Lakers officials are expected to speak at 11 central.
The Source:Information in this article comes from the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks.
