Nikola Jokic Reacts to Luka Doncic’s Trade to the Lakers
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was as shocked as the rest of the NBA when his close friend Luka Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a major deal.
The trade sent shockwaves throughout the league, with Doncic joining the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Lakers also acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the deal.
“This is probably the biggest trade – I’m not going to say in history – but definitely in the last 10 to 15 years,” Jokic commented on Monday after the Nuggets’ 125-113 victory over the Pelicans. “It feels like nobody is untouchable, and maybe that’s how it should be.”
Jokic mentioned that he had already spoken with Doncic following the trade and expressed confidence that his friend would succeed in Los Angeles.
“I don’t think he saw it coming, obviously. He just needs some time with family right now. It’s business,” Jokic said. “But I believe he’ll excel. He’s a player suited for the big stage. Though, I did think he had something special going in Dallas.”
Doncic arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday and will be officially introduced to the media on Tuesday. He will now pair with LeBron James in an effort to lead the Lakers to their first championship since 2020.
Doncic, who has been sidelined since Christmas due to a calf injury, is expected to return soon. Before the injury, he had been averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 22 games.
