While it’s a well-known fact that Luka Doncic threw his phone upon learning the Dallas Mavericks traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 2, the public was unsure of how the 26-year-old felt when he arrived in Los Angeles.
That changed Thursday, as Lakers governor Jeanie Buss provided NBA fans with the inside scoop on Doncic’s heartbreaking reaction to the midseason blockbuster trade.
“Nobody knew the trade was going to happen,” Buss said on Slovenian radio. “I knew, but Luka didn’t know. I’ve never had a player come to the Lakers & be as sad as he was because the trade was a huge surprise to him, so he had to process it. I think now he’s embraced the Lakers and he’s all about LA.”
The Lakers have done their best to help Doncic move past the Mavericks’ disrespectful decision to go in a different direction eight months after reaching the NBA Finals.
From reuniting Doncic with several assets to ensuring he enters his first full season in Los Angeles with a steady lob threat (Deandre Ayton), the Lakers aren’t playing around when it comes to making the 26-year-old superstar feel at home.
Even if the Lakers aren’t the last team standing in the 2026 playoffs, it’s reasonable to assume Doncic’s stance on his future with the organization won’t change.
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The five-time All-Star is set to not only be the main act in Los Angeles once LeBron James retires but also compete for titles consistently, giving him zero valid reasons to take issue with his role under JJ Redick.
Doncic will be must-see TV with the Lakers for years to come.
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