It’s been months, but some days it still doesn’t feel real that Luka Doncic is now the face of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Dallas Mavericks somehow came to the conclusion that trading away a generational superstar like Doncic was a good idea, though the Lakers will hardly complain about being in the right place at the right time. While Los Angeles did have to part ways with Anthony Davis, Doncic is the perfect bridge player for the franchise following Lebron James’ eventual retirement.
When news of the trade first broke, players, fans and media alike that it was fake given how out-of-nowhere and shocking it was. While Lakers fans obviously rejoiced after the deal was made official, Mavericks fans were a mix of enraged and upset with the devastating news. Even other athletes in the Dallas area like CeeDee Lamb admitted the Doncic trade killed the city.
The Golden State Warriors couldn’t have been thrilled with Los Angeles landing Doncic considering their rivalry, though video recently surfaced of Stephen Curry and the team reacting to the trade, via House of Highlights:
Warriors reaction to Luka getting traded to the Lakers. 😭
(via WhoisAlanKeating/YT) pic.twitter.com/1gWMBZmEUo— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) May 16, 2025
In the video, Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield are on their phones looking at the news and are in clear disbelief during the organization’s charity poker tournament. Curry even lets out a scream while Warriors assistant general manager Kirk Lakob asks if it’s real.
Judging by the video, Golden State was just as confused and shocked by the news like everyone else around the league. It’s truly unprecedented for someone like Doncic to be traded in the prime of their career, especially because the Slovenian star never formally requested a trade.
By all accounts, Doncic was ready to play his entire career with the Mavericks but the organization spurned him over concerns about his conditioning and defense. He has been taking the high road when it comes to questions about Dallas, but there’s undoubtedly still some hurt and anguish over the trade.
However, Doncic has a new home with a Lakers franchise that appears committed to him for the rest of his time in the NBA.
JJ Redick wants to bring out best version of Luka Doncic
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has a close relationship with Luka Doncic dating back to their time as teammates on the Mavericks. Redick has a good understanding of how to use Doncic and wants to bring out the best version of the star.
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