The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season unfortunately ended with a brutal first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On the bright side, the storied franchise was able to land their next iconic talent through what could be argued as the most shocking trade in sports history prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Los Angeles’ stunning acquisition of ex-Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić left the basketball world dumbfounded, and the 26-year-old Slovenian phenom felt no different.
During a recent appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Dončić’s former head coach on the Mavericks, Jason Kidd, was asked to reveal details on the night of the trade, his input on the decision and Dončić’s immediate reaction to the bewildering news that the 5-time All-NBA First Team selection would soon be playing under the bright lights of Los Angeles.
“I was told by my boss, Nico (Harrison) that we were going to make a change,” the 2018 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee told Patrick on Thursday.
“There was no arguing, this is what was going to take place.”
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“I texted (Dončić) on that morning, and that’s the last time I’ve talked to him. I don’t think he was too happy.”
“I loved the opportunity of coaching Luka, he’s an incredible person and we all know his talent is one of the best in the world. Again, my mindset is to deal with the cards that I’m dealt and keep pushing forward.”
“I’ve always said this publicly and privately, I wish Luka the best. He’s one of the best players in the world.”
Though the former 10-time All-Star point guard and current lead strategist of the Mavericks clearly had a deep interest in mentoring the young star, the Mavericks organization made the league-altering decision to part with Dončić on Feb. 2.
After being dealt to the Lakers to pair with 4-time NBA champion and Finals MVP LeBron James, Dončić contributed 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists while knocking down 37.9% of his attempts from three-point range in 28 regular season appearances.
On Apr. 9, Dončić returned to Dallas to face the Mavericks for the first time in his young career. By the conclusion of the highly-anticipated matchup, he authored one of the greatest revenge games in league history, finishing with an astounding 45 points, eight rebounds and six assists in Los Angeles’ 112-97 victory.
Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, Dončić will look to raise the Larry O’Brien trophy alongside James as a member of the Lakers after gaining a full season of experience with the franchise.
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