After his surprising trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Dončić is still adjusting to his new situation. Despite the shock of the move, Luka has stated that his heart now belongs to the Lakers, with his loyalty shifting to them following the sense of betrayal by the Dallas Mavericks.
Malika Andrews: “Loyalty is still a core part of who you are. Where does that loyalty lie now, does it shift to the Los Angeles Lakers?”
Luka Dončić: “Naturally, my loyalty is first and foremost to basketball.”
Malika Andrews: “So, staying in Los Angeles is your preference?”
Luka Dončić: “Yes.”
Luka Dončić, 26, was selected third overall in the 2018 draft. After earning Rookie of the Year honors, he quickly became a star, establishing himself as one of the NBA’s top young players. With 5 All-Star selections, 5 All-NBA team appearances, and 1 scoring title, Dončić has solidified his status as a generational talent, with expectations that he will dominate the league for the next decade or more. While Luka envisioned retiring as a Maverick, it appears that GM Nico Harrison had different plans.
Despite his prominence and steadfast loyalty, the Mavericks traded Dončić in February as part of a deal for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. The trade stunned everyone, including Dončić. It was a day the Mavericks turned their back on him, a move he never anticipated. Now, it’s Dončić’s reputation that seems to be at risk.
As Dončić left, the Mavericks criticized his work ethic and highlighted his shortcomings as a leader and defender on the court. This led many to question Luka’s loyalty to the franchise, with some even doubting whether he would have agreed to sign a supermax extension this summer.
Regardless of their reasons, the Mavericks chose to move on from a future with Dončić, and there’s no turning back. Now, 28 games into his time with the Lakers, Luka has been enjoying his experience in Los Angeles. With averages of 28.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, his transition has been smooth, and it’s already starting to feel like home.
At the end of this season, Dončić will have just two years remaining on his contract, including a $48 million player option for the 2026-27 season. If no extension is reached, he will become a free agent at 28, but the Lakers are unlikely to let things go that far.
Having traded their championship-caliber big man to acquire Luka Dončić, the Lakers are determined not to lose him easily. As long as he remains committed and loyal to the Lakers, they will do whatever it takes to keep him satisfied and well-paid.
For better or worse, Luka Dončić is now the future of the Lakers, and he has fully embraced the responsibility that comes with it. Rather than shying away from the pressure, Dončić has welcomed it and is eager to begin a new chapter in his NBA career.
His first challenge comes on Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. If Dončić hopes to start strong, securing a win over the Wolves in this series is crucial, and he believes the team has what it takes to succeed.
