Luka Doncic’s Emotional Transition from Dallas to Los Angeles
In a surprising twist that has left fans and analysts buzzing, Luka Doncic has opened up about his unexpected trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. The 26-year-old superstar, who spent the first 6½ seasons of his career in Dallas, has yet to speak with Mavericks president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison since the trade. However, Doncic has been vocal about his disappointment with Harrison’s public comments justifying the trade.
In a candid interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Doncic expressed his dismay, saying, “It’s just sad the way he’s talking right now. I never say anything bad about him and I just want to move on. The fans, my ex-teammates, I’ll always keep at heart. It’s time for me to move on from there.”
Earlier this week, Harrison, alongside new Mavs CEO Rick Welts, held a media session with select Dallas-based reporters to discuss the trade. The deal, which was part of a three-team trade, brought Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick to Dallas. Harrison stated he had “no regrets” about the trade, emphasizing the belief that “defense wins championships,” a comment that seemed to critique Doncic’s defensive performance.
Adding to the controversy, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the Mavericks had “constant conditioning concerns” about Doncic, citing sources who mentioned his “lack of discipline regarding his diet” as a factor in his injury issues. Despite the criticism, Doncic remains focused on his future, stating, “I mean it’s painful, depending on how you take it. It mostly came from Dallas, so I didn’t want to talk back. But I don’t really read that much stuff. I’m just trying to focus on my journey.”
Doncic shared a personal moment with Andrews, showing her his damaged cell phone, a casualty of his initial shock upon hearing the trade news. “I was actually in the bed,” Doncic recounted. “My TV wasn’t working so I was on my iPad watching a movie about to go to sleep. First thing I said, probably three times, was, ‘Is this [an] April 1st [joke]?'”
His initial reaction was one of “sadness, mostly,” as he described feeling “like my heart was broken, honestly.” However, with over two months since joining the Lakers, Doncic admits he is “getting used to it.”
When asked if he had intended to spend his entire career with the Mavericks, Doncic’s response was unequivocal: “Of course. That’s an easy question.” Yet, as he prepares for the Lakers’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), Doncic is finding a new home in Los Angeles.
Looking ahead, Doncic, who is owed $46 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for 2026-27, will be eligible to sign a long-term contract extension with the Lakers this summer. As of August 2, L.A. can offer Doncic up to a four-year, $229 million contract, according to ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks.
When asked if staying in L.A. is what he wants, Doncic’s answer was clear and concise: “Yes,” he said.
- Doncic has not spoken to Nico Harrison since the trade.
- Harrison has “no regrets” about the trade, citing defense as a key factor.
- Doncic is eligible for a four-year, $229 million contract extension with the Lakers.
Originally Written by: Dave McMenamin
