Newly acquired Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Dončić is looking forward to sharing the floor with legendary forward LeBron James.
During his introductory press conference on Tuesday after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić told reporters it’s “just like a dream come true” to be James’ teammate.
“I always look up to him. … It’s an amazing feeling,” he added.
Dončić also paid homage to the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, saying, “I wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this moment.”
The Slovenian superstar also admitted he’s still adjusting to being with a new team following the shocking trade.
“That first day was really hard … I feel like the last 48 hours was one month,” Dončić told reporters.
Dončić also indicated that he’s still not over how he was shipped out of Dallas, but added that he’s looking forward to his future in Los Angeles.
“I thought I was gonna stay my whole career there. Loyalty is a big word for me… [But] I got the ocean here. I get to play for the Lakers. Not many get to say that,” Dončić told reporters.
The Mavs shocked the sports world on Sunday by trading Dončić and forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for star big man Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
He also revealed his immediate reaction to finding out about the trade, saying: “I was asleep. … I had to check my phone to see if it was April 1st.”
Dallas general manager Nico Harrison said after the deal Los Angeles was the only team he held discussions with regarding a trade for Dončić. He also admitted that the 25-year-old phenom never indicated that he wanted out or wouldn’t sign an extension with the Mavs. Dončić confirmed that on Tuesday, responding, “Absolutely not” when asked if he gave the team an indication that he wouldn’t agree to an extension.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka called the acquisition of Dončić a “seismic event” in NBA history.
Pelinka revealed that negotiations between him and Harrison lasted for nearly three weeks, and he looped in team owner Jeanie Buss from the very start.
Dallas head coach Jason Kidd was not involved in the decision to trade Dončić and only found out about it after it was finalized. Longtime Mavs owner Mark Cuban, who no longer has controlling interest in the team, confirmed to WFAA’s Ryan Osborne and Pete Freedman on Sunday that he wasn’t involved in the decision, either.
Former Mavs forward Chandler Parsons said he texted with Cuban after the deal, and the 66-year-old echoed his confusion about the trade. A team source also told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon: “No way Mark would ever trade Luka. It wouldn’t even be a conversation.”
Following the surprising trade, reports emerged that Dallas had grown disenchanted with the face of the franchise. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported, “The Mavs’ relationship with Dončić was more fractured than anyone comprehended.”
Dončić would’ve been eligible for a record-breaking five-year, $345 million maximum extension this summer, but the team reportedly was hesitant to reward him with such a deal. MacMahon said on Monday’s episode of The Hoop Collective (43:45 mark) that the Mavs “were terrified of a supermax commitment,” and he also reported that Dončić’s “constant conditioning issues” had also contributed to “major concerns” within the organization about moving forward with him.
Dončić was asked about the comments that have come out of Dallas in recent days and responded, “I am taking the high road.” However, he added that it’s a “big motive” for him to hear that his conditioning wasn’t good enough with the Mavs.
Instead, the Lakers now have one of the best young players in the NBA as their newest franchise cornerstone. Dončić will be the immediate successor to James once the 40-year-old ends his legendary career.
Dončić hasn’t played since Christmas Day due to a left calf strain, but he’s reportedly ramping up his recovery and nearing a return. In 22 appearances this season, he has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists.
