Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Comments on Luka Dončić Trade for the First Time
Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, shared her excitement for the team’s recent acquisition of Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in her first public statement on the trade.
“Luka is an incredibly talented player,” Buss remarked during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the premiere of Netflix’s “Running Point” on February 13. “We’re ecstatic to welcome him to the Lakers, but it wasn’t easy to secure him. We’ll miss Anthony Davis and Max Christie.”
In addition to the players, the Lakers also sent a 2029 first-round pick to the Mavericks, prompting strong reactions across the league. Many felt that the Mavericks could have received even more if they had communicated Dončić’s availability to the rest of the NBA.
At just 25 years old, Dončić is set to become the face of the Lakers’ franchise for the next decade. His addition follows a long-standing tradition within the organization, continuing the legacy of acquiring generational superstars, from Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal to Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and now Dončić.
Luka Dončić Trade Too Good to Miss
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, revealed that Buss was “beyond excited and optimistic” when he first informed her of the Mavericks’ offer for Dončić.
“When the idea was first presented, it was clear that the discussions had to stay between owners and GMs,” Pelinka explained during Dončić’s press conference on February 4. “It was a commitment to trust that had to be maintained, or this deal wouldn’t happen. I called Jeanie right after meeting in Dallas to bring her into the loop, as I do with everything. She was thrilled and hopeful, and we were able to make it happen.”
While Buss was saddened by the departure of Davis and Christie, she saw the opportunity to acquire a player of Dončić’s caliber as an offer that couldn’t be missed.
“You’re always looking for ways to improve the team, to get better, and ultimately win a championship,” Buss told Entertainment Tonight.
Lakers Have Work Ahead
Despite the excitement surrounding Dončić’s arrival, the Lakers still have work to do. After trading away Davis, a defensive anchor, the team now faces a significant gap in the center position.
In an attempt to fill this void, the Lakers initially traded for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. However, the trade was canceled after issues were discovered in Williams’ physical examination, aside from his previous back problems, which had limited him to just 19 games last season.
Instead, the Lakers turned to veteran center Alex Len, but his debut with the team was underwhelming.
The Lakers still have the option to waive another player to make room for another center, though the free-agent and buyout markets have already become scarce. Their best chance to find Dončić’s ideal lob partner may come during the offseason.
Alder Almo is a basketball journalist with Heavy.com, covering the NBA. He has over 15 years of experience in media, including broadcast, print, and digital, and has previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, Alder is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo.
