In the aftermath of his blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic is still coming to terms with his new reality. As shocking as the trade was, however, Luka says that his heart is now with the Lakers and that his loyalty has transferred to them in the wake of the betrayal by the Dallas Mavericks.
Malika Andrews: Loyalty is still a key tenant of who you are. Where does that loyalty go now, does it transfer to the Los Angeles Lakers?
Luka Doncic: “Of course, loyalty is to the basketball first.”
Malika Andrews: “So, staying in Los Angeles is what you want to do?”
Luka Doncic: “Yes.”
Luka, 26, was drafted third overall in 2018. After winning Rookie of the Year, he ascended into stardom and rose to prominence as one of the league’s top young players. As a 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA player, and 1x scoring champion, Doncic has cemented himself as a generational athlete, and he’s projected to dominate the NBA for the next 10+ years. If he had his way, Luka would have retired in Dallas, but it seems GM Nico Harrison had other plans.
Despite his status and unwavering loyalty, the Mavericks traded Doncic in February in a deal for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. The move shocked everyone at the time, including Doncic himself. The Mavericks turned on him that day, and he never saw it coming. Now, it’s Doncic who finds his reputation in jeopardy.
On his way out, the Mavericks criticized Doncic’s work ethic and exposed his flaws as a leader and defender on the court. Many people have questioned Luka’s loyalty to the franchise, and some have cast doubt that he would have signed a supermax extension this summer.
Whatever their reasoning, the Mavs rejected a future with Doncic, and there’s no going back now. 28 games into his Lakers tenure, Luka has been loving his time in Los Angeles. With averages of 28.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, the transition has been smooth so far, and it’s already starting to feel like home.
After this campaign, Doncic has just two years left on his contract, including a $48 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Without an extension, it will put Doncic in free agency at 28 years old, but the Lakers are unlikely to let it get that far.
After giving up their championship big man to get Luka Doncic, the Lakers don’t intend to let him go easily. As long as he’s committed to staying and remains loyal to Lakers Nation, they will do whatever it takes to keep him happy and well-compensated.
For better or worse, Luka Doncic is the future of the Lakers, and he’s accepted everything that comes with that. Instead of backing down from the pressure, Doncic has embraced it, and he’s ready to start a brand new era in his NBA career.
His first assignment begins on Saturday, against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. If Doncic wants to start on a positive note, beating the Wolves in this series will be necessary, and he has faith that they have what it takes to get the job done.
