Luka Doncic admits Lakers struggles after “shock” trade

On Feb. 2, Luka Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal instantly labeled one of the biggest in NBA history. For Doncic, it meant leaving the only NBA team he had ever known for the league’s most glamorous stage.

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka pulled off what many described as a miracle, while Mavericks executive Nico Harrison dealt away the franchise’s most valuable asset in a move that still baffles the basketball world.

The Lakers’ season ended quickly with a first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. But for Doncic, the journey has only just begun. With LeBron James set to play at least one more season and the addition of DeAndre Ayton, Los Angeles is positioning itself for another title run.

Doncic: “It was a lot of shock”

Doncic admitted that his early days in Los Angeles were far from smooth. The transition from Dallas, where he had built a home and deep connections, to the bright lights of LA was overwhelming.

“I didn’t know how to react, how to act, what to say. It was a lot of shock,” Doncic told The Wall Street Journal. “I felt Dallas was my home. I had so many friends there, and the fans always supported me. I didn’t want to upset Mavericks fans, and I didn’t want to upset Lakers fans either.”

Like anyone facing such a massive life change, Doncic needed time to adjust and find his footing.

Kobe Bryant’s trash-talk advice to Doncic

In the same interview, Doncic revealed a personal story about Kobe Bryant. Before Doncic even arrived in the NBA, Bryant warned him about the challenges he would face as a European player.

“Kobe told me to be careful because they were going to come after me for being European,” Doncic recalled. “He was right. In one game, guys were trash-talking me in my own language. I looked into the stands, and it was Kobe smiling.”

Bryant’s support for Doncic was well known during his lifetime. The two shared several moments of mutual respect, including a memorable exchange at the then-Staples Center, now Crypto.com Arena.

Luka Doncic 2.0

Despite his star status, Doncic has not been immune to criticism. Former Mavericks executive Nico Harrison often pointed to the guard’s conditioning as an issue, while others have highlighted his love for beer and less-than-ideal eating habits.

But this summer marked a turning point. Doncic slimmed down, hit the gym consistently, and returned to peak form. His dominance at EuroBasket underscored the transformation, as he nearly knocked out eventual champions Germany in the quarterfinals.

With his reputation restored and his fitness at a new level, the Lakers are confident they have a superstar who can deliver for years to come.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.