The Dallas Mavericks made their first NBA Finals appearance last season since defeating the Miami Heat in 2011. However, over the weekend, they traded away what was arguably the key factor in that success. Luka Doncic, who finished third in MVP voting after averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, the Mavericks acquired the injury-prone 10-time NBA All-Star, Anthony Davis. The move was unexpected by everyone in the league, including Doncic himself, who expressed his surprise during his introductory press conference in Los Angeles. “Everybody was surprised, so you can imagine how surprised I was,” Doncic shared. “I was almost asleep, so when I got a call, I had to check if it was April 1st. I didn’t believe it at first. It was a big shock. It was hard moments for me. It was home. It was really hard moments for me. Especially the first day. But as I said I get to play in the greatest club in the world.”

Doncic will now team up with LeBron James, who is aiming to add another championship to his illustrious career. Doncic mentioned that James called him “right away,” and although their conversation was brief, he appreciated the gesture. As for when Doncic will debut in a Lakers uniform, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on the “Pat McAfee Show” that it could happen as soon as this Saturday against the Indiana Pacers. Doncic has been sidelined with a calf strain since Christmas. Though it will take some time to adjust, the Lakers have now added one of the brightest young stars in the league to their roster.