NBA
Luka Doncic Reflects on Trade Shock and New Chapter with Lakers
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All posts by Antonio KozlowUpdated3 hours ago on September 17, 2025
The Stunning Trade
Seven months have passed since Luka Doncic’s stunning move from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. At just 26 years old, and only a season removed from leading the league in scoring and taking Dallas to the Finals, Doncic suddenly found himself in purple and gold.
In an interview with WSJ. Style, Doncic recalled his initial reaction: “Well, first of all, it didn’t seem real. It kind of took me time to process. But you know, just to move to that organization with so many trophies, one of the best organizations in the world, it was a dream come true. I think I called my father, it was still a shock, but just you know, he would say embrace the moment.”
Ties to Dallas
The trade shocked fans not only because of Doncic’s talent but also because of his connection to the Dallas community. He had purchased a house there and seemed poised to follow Dirk Nowitzki’s path of loyalty to one franchise. Still, the bright lights of Los Angeles were not foreign to Doncic, who had already experienced global spotlight playing for Real Madrid, Europe’s basketball powerhouse.
What may have cut deeper than the move itself were the criticisms that emerged from Dallas afterward. Reports labeled him as overweight, poor defensively, and undeserving of a max contract. While harsh, those remarks became fuel.
A Father’s Perspective
Doncic’s father, Sasa, confirmed that the transition sparked a renewed focus. “As you can see, he’s playing fantastic. He’s hungry for success, he’s leading the team well and so far, everything is great. From the moment he arrived from L.A., he started training. When you train well, you can immediately see it in the physical appearance. Nothing has changed, he just started training even harder,” Sasa said.
The results were evident at EuroBasket, where Doncic, reportedly 30 pounds lighter, showcased his dominance for Slovenia. His improved conditioning has only heightened expectations.
Eyes on Championships
For Lakers fans, the trade now feels less like a gamble and more like the start of something special. Doncic has embraced the challenge of living up to the standards of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. With his body in peak condition and his motivation higher than ever, his goal is clear: to bring championships back to Los Angeles.
