The Los Angeles Lakers made one of the biggest trades in NBA history by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, and team owner Jeanie Buss couldn’t hide her excitement about the blockbuster deal. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Buss acknowledged how special Doncic is while also recognizing the significant cost of acquiring the superstar.
“Luka is a very special player. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the Laker team, but we had to give up a lot to get him. We’re going to miss Anthony Davis and Max Christie. It’s like you’re always trying to improve the team, get a little bit better and, ultimately, win a championship.”
Jeanie Buss speaks on the Luka Dončić trade.#LakeShow
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— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) February 15, 2025
This statement highlights the Lakers’ aggressive approach to team-building, prioritizing immediate title contention over long-term roster stability. Losing Anthony Davis, a key defensive anchor and former NBA champion, along with promising young guard Max Christie, was no small sacrifice.
But the arrival of Doncic gives the Lakers a transcendent playmaker to pair alongside LeBron James, ensuring the franchise remains in the championship conversation.
Doncic, at just 25 years old, has already established himself as one of the greatest offensive talents in NBA history. A five-time NBA All-Star and First-Team All-NBA selection, he boasts career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. His elite scoring, passing, and rebounding ability make him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ title aspirations.
Jeanie Buss has been the controlling owner of the Lakers since the passing of her father, the legendary Dr. Jerry Buss, in 2013. Under her leadership, the team won the 2020 NBA Championship, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Now, the Lakers are looking to build around Doncic, hoping he can carry the franchise for years to come.
With LeBron still playing at a high level, the Lakers’ goal remains clear: compete for championships now. The addition of Doncic gives them a formidable offensive force, but there are still challenges ahead.
The Lakers entered the All-Star break with a 32-20 record, placing 5th in the Western Conference. This has exceeded expectations, as many believed the team would struggle to even make the Play-In Tournament.
Instead, they sit just three games behind the 2nd-seeded Memphis Grizzlies, proving they are a legitimate contender. The Lakers are already outperforming expectations, but integrating Doncic into the system will take time. His chemistry with LeBron James and the rest of the roster will be key to their playoff push.
Doncic has played two games with the Lakers so far, with the team going 1-1 in that span. While he’s still adjusting to his new surroundings, his impact is undeniable. Playing alongside LeBron is an entirely new dynamic, and the Lakers will need to refine their offensive and defensive schemes to maximize their potential.
With Doncic now in the mix, the Lakers’ title hopes remain alive, but the Western Conference is stacked with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets all vying for supremacy.
The Lakers’ decision to trade for Luka Doncic is a high-risk, high-reward move that could define the franchise for the next decade. Losing Anthony Davis is a major gamble, especially given the Western Conference’s size and physicality, but the Lakers now have a generational superstar to build around.
If Doncic and LeBron can figure things out, the Lakers could shock the league in the playoffs. The frontcourt depth remains a concern, but as long as they get favorable matchups, this team has the firepower to make a deep run.
Jeanie Buss understands the weight of this trade, but her excitement shows full confidence in the Lakers’ ability to compete for a championship. Now, it’s up to Luka Doncic and LeBron James to prove that the gamble was worth it.
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