**”Luka Doncic Surprised by Trade to Lakers”**
Luka Doncic was in disbelief, staring blankly as he spoke publicly for the first time as a Los Angeles Laker. It was a surreal moment for him—Luka, a Laker. “Everybody was surprised,” he said, pausing before adding, “so you can imagine how I felt.” His introductory press conference wasn’t one of celebration but rather a moment of adjustment. The 25-year-old star was grappling with the shock of being traded from the only NBA team he’d known, to a Lakers organization where Kobe Bryant had once trash-talked him in Slovenian at a 2019 game. “I remember that exact moment,” Doncic said. “It stayed with me. Just for Kobe to know my name, that was amazing.”
Doncic now steps into a prominent role within the Lakers, following in the footsteps of legends like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James. The trade itself—originating from a nearly month-long negotiation between Rob Pelinka and Dallas GM Nico Harrison—has shocked the basketball world, surprising both players and executives alike. While the Lakers sent out significant assets—Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick—it was the mere fact that Doncic was available at all that left many astonished, especially considering he never requested a trade. When asked by a Dallas-based reporter whether he’d given the Mavericks any reason to doubt he would sign a supermax extension, Doncic responded with a smile, “Absolutely not.” The mix of excitement and disbelief was evident as he reflected on the surreal nature of the trade. “Honestly, it was hard at first. The first day felt like a month ago,” he admitted. “But every day after has gotten better. I’m just happy to be here. The Lakers are one of the best clubs in history, and I’m excited.”
Rob Pelinka was more composed in his remarks, wearing a brown leather jacket and discussing the global impact of this “seismic” event. “We’ve got a 25-year-old global superstar teaming up with the most influential basketball brand in the world,” Pelinka said. “When those two forces come together, it brings joy to basketball across the globe. Kids in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, or Sydney will be wearing No. 77 Lakers jerseys and spreading that joy.” Pelinka quickly processed the opportunity to acquire Doncic as a challenge, not a shock, considering it was a concept that arose unexpectedly. “When it came to me, I started thinking about how to make it happen, how to complete the deal,” he shared.
Pelinka also discussed the Lakers’ need for a center following the Davis trade, noting that the market for big men was thin but the team might target a more suitable center for Doncic in the offseason. Doncic, sidelined due to a calf injury, is expected to join the Lakers’ full practice on Wednesday. He hasn’t played since Christmas but emphasized that he’s taking time to fully recover. “For the first time, I took my time to heal 100%,” he said. “In the past, I just wanted to get back on the court, but now I’m focused on being fully healthy.”
Despite concerns raised in Dallas about his conditioning, Doncic brushed them off. “If you can get 30, 15, and 10 in an NBA game, I’m not sure what shape people are talking about,” said teammate Markieff Morris. Doncic, however, expected such narratives post-trade, but chose to focus on the positives, such as playing alongside LeBron James. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve always looked up to him and there’s so much I can learn from him. I’m just excited to be with him.”
Doncic isn’t arriving in Los Angeles alone. He’s bringing his medical team along with Morris and Kleber. Both are familiar faces from his Dallas days, as is Lakers coach JJ Redick. “It’s helpful to come to a new place but still know some people,” Doncic shared. “It helps mentally, and they’ll guide me as I settle into L.A. and the team.” Morris, a key member of the Lakers’ 2020 championship, and Kleber, recovering from foot surgery, will provide valuable veteran support. But Doncic’s arrival signals a new foundation for the Lakers. “We’ve got one of the game’s biggest superstars joining us,” Pelinka remarked. “This is something truly special the NBA has never seen.”
