Luka Doncic was introduced by the Lakers on Tuesday, and the NBA star shared the same astonishment as the rest of the basketball community on the trade that took him from Dallas to Los Angeles.
During his first press conference, Doncic stated, “You can imagine how surprised I was.” I was almost asleep. I had to confirm that it was April 1st when I received a call. At first, I didn’t think it was true. It was quite startling. I had some difficult times.
Doncic was acquired by the Lakers on Saturday in return for a first-round selection and power forward Anthony Davis. In a three-team trade, they also sent guard Jalen Hood-Schifino to the Utah Jazz.
During the previous season, Doncic guided the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. Doncic has the third-highest point average in NBA history during his career, averaging 28.7 points per game. His 30.9 points per game postseason scoring average is second only to Michael Jordan’s.
Rob Pelinka, general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, stated that Luka Doncic’s joining the team marks a historic moment in NBA history. Basketball makes the world happy when those two strong forces unite.
Like the majority of the basketball community, Doncic was unable to provide an explanation for the Mavericks’ willingness to part with a 25-year-old player who has already been selected to five All-NBA First Teams.
When asked about the Dallas front office, he responded, “That’s their decision, so I have no comment on that.” They made the choice, and I’m not sure why.
“Loyalty is a big word for me, and I was trying to stand by that,” Doncic continued. “I thought I was going to spend my whole career [in Dallas].”
Additionally, Doncic dispelled rumors that he was unwilling to sign a contract extension with the Mavericks. Doncic would have been qualified for a five-year deal with Dallas this summer, which would have paid him close to $350 million.
Doncic shook his head and responded that he had not communicated to the organization that he was unwilling to sign the agreement.
When Doncic made his first public remarks with his new team, he was taciturn. He stated the two days after the move felt like months, despite his constant expressions of joy at joining one of the NBA’s most illustrious teams.
“To be honest, that first day was really difficult,” Doncic remarked. However, each day has improved. I’m simply thrilled to have this chance to be here.
Pelinka clarified that the transaction only took place after Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison brought up the subject during a coffee date in Dallas last month. In a statement, Pelinka congratulated Harrison, pointing out that the two have been friends for a long time, dating back to the days when Harrison was an executive at Nike and Pelinka was an agent.
Doncic claimed that shortly after the trade, he got a call welcome him to Los Angeles from his new teammate, LeBron James.
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The Slovenian said he wanted to take the high road and refused to comment on allegations that surfaced after the deal that portrayed his conditioning as the reason Dallas wanted to split ways. However, Doncic acknowledged that worries about his future are a valid reason.
Doncic did not hold back when asked if he thought he had something to prove.
“Of course,” he responded. Take home a title. The only reason you’re here is to win a championship.