NBA star Luka Doncic is “grateful” to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Dallas Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.
Grateful for this amazing opportunity. Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I’ll do so with the same joy, passion and goal – to win championships. https://t.co/psfgI5o9Pn
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) February 2, 2025
The Mavericks acquired Doncic from the Atlanta Hawks on draft night in 2018 for Trae Young. Doncic has career averages of 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists. He’s third in NBA history in points per game.
According to NBA insider Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, Doncic was stunned by the Mavericks-Lakers trade.
“This feels more about Dallas and Doncic than even Davis and the Lakers — a shock in and of itself,” Goodwill wrote. “Doncic is shocked with the move, sources told Yahoo Sports. And that could very well be in response to how serious he took the organization’s concerns about his conditioning and diet.”
Doncic has appeared in 22 games this season. He’s averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists while shooting 46.4% from the field, 35.4% from beyond the arc and 76.7% from the free-throw line.
A future Hall of Famer, Doncic has made five All-Star teams and five All-NBA teams. He won the 2019 Rookie of the Year Award and the 2024 scoring title.
Doncic is making $43 million this season. He’ll make $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 season.
Lakers superstar forward LeBron James was Doncic’s idol growing up. Now, the two NBA and basketball icons are teammates in Los Angeles.
The Lakers are in fifth place in the Western Conference standings. They now have a “Big 3” of Doncic, LeBron and Austin Reaves.
Los Angeles is expected to start Doncic, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron and Jaxson Hayes once Doncic recovers from his calf injury.
“Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said. “His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. We will be relentless in building a roster around the on-court vision Coach Redick has for this basketball team and there is an unwavering commitment to that work to serve our loyal and dedicated fans. We are grateful for today and look forward to what’s next.”
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