Luka Doncic sets sights on titles after shock Lakers trade from Dallas
Luka Doncic, at the age of 25, expressed his commitment to guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to NBA championship success during his official introduction by the team on Tuesday, following his remarkable trade from the Dallas Mavericks.
The Slovenian star acknowledged that he was still coming to terms with the surprise of being transferred from the Mavericks, as he had always envisioned a long-term career in Dallas.
However, Doncic conveyed that the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James for one of the most storied franchises in NBA history was a "dream come true."
Reflecting on the moment he received the news of his trade late Saturday, Doncic admitted that he initially found it hard to believe what he was hearing.
"Everybody else was surprised, so you can imagine how surprised I was," he told a press conference. "I was almost asleep, so when I got a call, I had to check it wasn't April 1st.
"I didn't really believe it at first, and it was a big shock. It was hard moments for me. (Dallas) was home. So it was really hard, especially the first day.
"I felt like this last 48 hours was one month, like two days ago was one month ago.
"But as I said, I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I'm excited for this new journey."
Luka Doncic's departure from the Mavericks, which facilitated the transfer of Lakers defensive standout Anthony Davis in the reverse direction, is widely considered one of the most astonishing trades in NBA history.
Sources indicate that Dallas made the decision to trade Doncic due to apprehensions regarding his fitness and conditioning.
Doncic has expressed his intention to utilize these subtle criticisms as a source of motivation as he begins his career with the Lakers.
"It's a motive - I know it's not true - but it's a motive," Doncic said. "It's a big motive for a long run here."
When questioned about whether he felt the need to demonstrate his capabilities in Los Angeles, Doncic responded, "Absolutely. The objective is to secure the championship. One does not arrive here for any other reason. I still have much to prove, and my aim is to win the championship."
Additionally, Doncic disclosed that LeBron James was among the initial individuals to reach out to him after the trade news broke late on Saturday.
"He called me right away," Doncic revealed. "He was in New York. We didn't talk much. He said 'I understand what you're feeling' but that was really nice of him just to call me right away and welcome me to LA."
Doncic said playing alongisde the 40-year-old James would be opportunity to learn.
"It's just like a dream come true. I always look up to him. There's so many things I can learn from him. And I'm just excited to learn everything, and now I get to play with him. It's an amazing feeling.
"I think we both make our teammates better. I think our IQ is very high, so I think that's going to help everybody. I'm just excited to work with him. Every day that goes by is going to be better."
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka meanwhile said Doncic's arrival in Los Angeles signalled a new era for the club, describing the trade as a landmark moment in NBA history.
"I think Luka Doncic joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history," Pelinka said, declining to put a timeframe on when Doncic, who is recovering from a calf injury, would make his Lakers debut.
"We have a 25-year-old global superstar that's going to get on the stage of the most popular and influential basketball brand on the globe," Pelinka said.
"And I think when those two powerful forces come together, it brings basketball joy to the world, because that's how Luka plays."
Doncic could make his debut this weekend when the Lakers face Golden State Warriors
SportsLigue