The Los Angeles Lakers have officially welcomed their latest superstar to the City of Angels.

Just under 24 hours after one of the most surprising trades in NBA history took place late Saturday night, Luka Dončić, the newest star in town, arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday evening.

Dončić made his entrance in style, with a private jet flown in to bring him and his teammate Maxi Kleber from Dallas. Dressed in a black hoodie, Dončić flashed the LA hand sign, sure to make headlines in the morning, while simultaneously disappointing his devoted fans back in Dallas.

The blockbuster trade between the Lakers and Mavericks sent Dončić to Los Angeles in exchange for All-Star center Anthony Davis, a 2029 first-round pick, and Max Christie. The Utah Jazz were also involved, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers and two second-round picks.

This trade represents a major shift for the Lakers. At just 25, Dončić is a five-time All-NBA First Team selection and one of the league’s most powerful offensive players. While Davis has been a key player for Los Angeles, injuries and long-term concerns likely influenced the front office’s decision to secure a younger franchise star.

Reports say Dončić was stunned by the trade and hasn’t responded to calls from his former boss, Nico Harrison, or coach Jason Kidd. Beyond the shock of being traded, this move also comes with a financial toll for Dončić.

By leaving Dallas, Dončić loses the chance to sign a five-year, $345 million supermax extension this summer. Instead, the most the Lakers can offer him is a five-year deal worth around $230 million, a difference of $115 million.

While that financial element weighed heavily in trade discussions, the opportunity to make Dončić the Lakers’ next great superstar, following LeBron James’ eventual retirement, was too appealing for GM Rob Pelinka to pass up.

The deal also reunites Dončić with his former teammate and Lakers head coach, J.J. Redick. The two played together with the Mavericks in 2021, the final year of Redick’s career.

Dončić’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in Lakers history. The newest superstar is here, and fans hope he’ll remain in Los Angeles long-term (Dončić could become a free agent after the 2026 season if no extension is signed before then).

The next major question will be how Dončić fits alongside LeBron James, given that both are ball-dominant players. Additionally, will the Lakers make further moves before the Feb. 6 trade deadline to replace the defense and rim protection they lost by trading Davis? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: one of the NBA’s brightest stars has arrived in Hollywood, and the league will never be the same.