It still feels odd to watch Luka Doncic compete with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The six-time All-Star was preparing to help the Dallas Mavericks build on their successful 2023-24 campaign (they reached the NBA Finals as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference) when he was suddenly traded to the Lakers last February.
It was a challenging trade to process, considering the Mavericks were building something special and had clearly identified their franchise point guard. Still, the NBA world continued to spin after the blockbuster trade, forcing individuals to eventually move on and refrain from living in the past.
Doncic’s first full season in Los Angeles has been nothing short of amazing, as the 26-year-old is averaging 33.7 points, 8.8 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game on a Lakers squad currently in the playoff picture.
On Friday, Doncic reflected on the mind-blowing 2025 trade that flipped his world upside down. The 6-foot-8 guard’s statement will undoubtedly excite Lakers fans and frustrate Mavericks supporters.
“I’d probably say it’s all going to turn out good,” Doncic told the California Post’s Melissa Rohlin when asked what he would tell himself if he could go back in time and relive the trade. “At that time, I didn’t know. I was shocked. But right now, I feel like I’m in a great place.”
Lakers fans will love Doncic’s comments because they clearly indicate that the future Hall of Famer has embraced his new NBA home and is in a healthy mental place entering an important stretch of the 2025-26 season.
On the contrary, Mavericks fans will feel frustrated knowing that Doncic was completely blindsided by the trade and fully expected to continue competing with Dallas until Nico Harrison decided he had other plans.
It’s safe to say the Lakers intend to capitalize on the Mavericks’ mistake and ensure that Doncic feels valued at times.
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