Over four weeks following his blockbuster trade, NBA superstar Luka Doncic is still getting used to life as a Laker. The good news is, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, his transition couldn’t be smoother thanks to people like Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka who have given him their full support.
“He’s feeling more and more comfortable with every passing day. He just moved in a few days ago in Los Angeles,” said Shams. “The most important part for Luka Doncic has been what he’s told people around him, as well as Jeanie Buss, the Lakers owner, which is that he’s felt more and more appreciative and comfortable with how the Lakers have surrounded him with support, with inclusion in the process of everything. This has been a true partnership that they are trying to develop, and that means a lot for his long-term future for the Lakers, and they hope he’s gonna be a part of this next decade of Lakers-Celtics rivalry games.”
Doncic was as surprised as anyone to be traded and it took him some time to get over the initial shock of it all. By all accounts, Doncic (26), was loyal to the Mavericks but now the Lakers are hoping that loyalty will be extended to them.
The team had to give up a lot to add Doncic. It was only after offering Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick that they landed Luka and it left them vulnerable in the frontcourt without any viable starting centers.
So now that Doncic is finally wearing the Purple and Gold, the Lakers are doing everything they can to ensure he sticks around for the next 10+ years. The first step was ensuring a smooth transition for Doncic, and it seems he’s already making himself at home with a new place for him and his family.
He’s working closely with LeBron James and JJ Redick to find his best fit in the offense. Slowly but surely, Luka is looking like he did back in Dallas, with averages of 23.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game on 40.0% shooting.
As for Jeanie Buss, she was one of the few people who knew the trade was going to happen. She (and Rob Pelinka) made the call to trade for Luka and they have made him their focus ever since. They even tried to secure a trade for young center Mark Williams to give Luka a more reliable presence under the rim.
The results have been great for the Lakers so far, but relief won’t settle in until Doncic signs an extension. Set to make $136 million over the next three years (including a player option), Luka can be a free agent within a few years, and if he leaves the Lakers will have no stars at all to make them relevant in the West.
Fortunately for the Lakers, Luka has been impressed with his treatment so far. As a mega star in a big market, Doncic is thriving in Los Angeles and there are hints that he’s open to a long-term stay.
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