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

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.