• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Luka Dončić Joins the Lakers: What’s Next for L.A. and Its New Star?

Luka Dončić gave his introductory press conference as a member of the Lakers on Tuesday.

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

It is real: Luka Dončić is a Laker.

Dončić was introduced as a member of the Lakers at a press conference Tuesday alongside GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick. The five-time All-Star was dealt to Los Angeles for a package centered on Anthony Davis in a deal that ESPN’s Shams Charania broke late Saturday night. 

The deal was so shocking that Charania had to clarify that the trade was real. Dončić admitted Tuesday that even he thought it may have been a trick.

“I was almost asleep when I got a call. I had to check if it was April 1st. I didn’t really believe it at first,” Dončić said.

The 25-year-old had played all six and a half seasons of his career with Dallas after the team traded up to get him on draft night in 2018. He thought he’d spend his entire career with the Mavericks. “Loyalty is a big word for me, and I was trying to stand by that,” Dončić said.

He had “no comment” on the decision of Mavericks GM Nico Harrison to deal him to Los Angeles. “They made their decision. I don’t know why, but that’s their decision so I can’t do nothing about it,” Dončić said.

Dončić, who has made first-team All-NBA five times in his first six seasons, was also asked whether he gave any signs that he would not sign a supermax extension worth $345 million over five years with the Mavericks, to which he said, “Absolutely not.” 

He also referred to concerns about his conditioning and durability as a “motive” from the Mavericks. “I know it’s not true,” Dončić said.

When Will He Debut?

The Lakers play the Clippers on Tuesday at the Intuit Dome, but Dončić will not be available as he is still dealing with a calf injury that has kept him out since Christmas. Pelinka said his new star is “day-to-day.”

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently said that Dončić is “ramping up” and may return before the All-Star break. NBA correspondent Marc Stein reported that before the trade, Dončić was eyeing a return Saturday. The Lakers host the Pacers, but that game is not scheduled to air nationally.

On Thursday, Los Angeles will face the Warriors on TNT. The Lakers will not play another national game until a Feb. 22 tilt against the Nuggets on ABC. 

Three days later, the Mavericks will visit Los Angeles, in a game that is scheduled to air on TNT. The two teams play one other time: April 9 in Dallas, one week before the end of the regular season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Adam Silver

Congress Wants to Hear from Adam Silver on Gambling Scandal This Week

Silver said he was “deeply disturbed” by the arrests.

MLB Union Chief on Alert As NBA Gambling Scandal Unfolds

The union leader addresses labor and gambling-related concerns.
Terry Rozier

Terry Rozier Will Be Paid Full NBA Salary While on Leave

The Heat are scheduled to pay Rozier $26.6 million for this season. 

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Fred Warner

Most of the 49ers’ Record Cap Number Isn’t on the Field

The 49ers are winning despite ranking 31st on spending on active players.
Tom Dundon
exclusive
October 22, 2025

Sale of Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon Will Take Multiple Years to..

Dundon is buying the team at a $4.25 billion valuation.
Oct 23, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Signage in place on the dug out before game one of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
October 24, 2025

World Series Viewership Will Be Different This Year

The Canadian presence in the World Series creates a unique viewership situation.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
October 18, 2025

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History

The biggest spenders would be MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
October 16, 2025

For Yankees, It May Be ‘Business As Usual,’ but Title Drought Lingers

GM Brian Cashman says a salary cap is not at the forefront of his mind.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 15, 2025

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.