New Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic still isn’t sure why the Dallas Mavericks traded him.
“They made a decision. I don’t know why,” Doncic said Tuesday in his introductory press conference, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.
Doncic also said that he is “taking the high road” regarding some of the comments from the Mavericks’ front office about the trade, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
In his goodbye letter, Doncic said that he’d thought he would spend his whole career with the Mavericks. Dallas general manager Nico Harrison cited contract concerns as a reason to move on from Doncic now. Doncic was eligible for a five-year, $345-million extension from the Mavericks this upcoming offseason but no longer qualifies for that contract due to the trade.
Doncic also denied rumors that he’d indicated he wouldn’t sign an extension with Dallas.
The Lakers acquired the 25-year-old in a surprise three-team trade that sent 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas. Los Angeles also received veteran forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
Doncic said he was almost asleep when he received the call about the trade.
“I had to check if it was April 1st. I didn’t really believe it at first,” Doncic said, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.
The Slovenian guard has made the All-Star Game and received All-NBA first-team honors for five straight seasons. Last year, he led the Mavericks to the Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics.
“Luka Doncic joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said, according to team reporter Mike Trudell. The GM added, “We have a 25-year-old global superstar that is going to get on the stage of the most popular and influential basketball force in the globe.”
Doncic also said it’s “like a dream come true” to play with new teammate LeBron James, per Trudell.
“I always looked up to him,” Doncic said. “There’s so many things I can learn from him, and I’m just excited. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Doncic has appeared in 22 games this season, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and two steals per game. He hasn’t played since Christmas due to a calf strain.
