Luka Dončić isn’t one to hold back—and in a recent interview, the Lakers star opened up candidly about the blockbuster trade that sent him to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis.
“It was shocking at first,” Dončić admitted. “You spend years building something, and then suddenly you’re gone. But that’s the business. I’ve learned to accept it.”
The deal, which flipped the NBA landscape in February, sent waves through both organizations. The Mavericks dealt away a generational talent in Dončić for a proven champion in Davis, hoping to fast-track their title aspirations. Meanwhile, the Lakers doubled down on building their future around Luka.
Now months removed from the trade, Dončić is settling into his new role—and thriving. But that doesn’t mean the sting of the move has fully worn off.
“I won’t lie, it hurt,” Dončić said. “Dallas was home. But at the same time, I’m grateful. I’m in a position to win, and that’s what I’ve always wanted.”
As for the pressure of replacing a franchise icon like Davis in L.A.? Luka shrugs it off.
“There’s always pressure in this league. I’m just here to play my game and win games.”
With the playoffs looming and Dončić playing at an MVP level, the Lakers may have landed the cornerstone of their next dynasty. Whether the Mavericks can say the same about Davis remains to be seen.
