Just a few days after one of the biggest trades in NBA history, Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic was on the bench to watch his new team.
Doncic arrived in LA via a trade from the Dallas Mavericks that saw him swap places with big man Anthony Davis.
On Tuesday, Doncic watched his first game as a member of the team when the Lakers took on the Los Angeles Clippers.
Dressed up in a Lakers branded track suit, the guard took a seat on the bench and watched as the cross-city rivals took each other on.
Earlier in the day, Doncic was unveiled at a press conference where he held up his new jersey and addressed the deal.
‘I thought I was gonna stay my whole career there,’ Doncic said Tuesday. ‘Loyalty is a big word for me… But I got the ocean here. I get to play for the Lakers. Not many get to say that.
‘It was a big shock,’ Doncic added. ‘It was hard moments for me. I had to check if it was April 1 [April Fool’s Day]. … [But now] I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I’m excited for this new journey.’
The full trade involves Doncic, forward Maxi Kleber, and forward Markieff Morris going from Dallas to Los Angeles.
The Mavericks are receiving Davis, guard Max Christie, and the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2029.
As a third team in the deal, the Utah Jazz, acquired guard Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers and two 2025 second-round picks from the Mavericks (one of which belonged to the Clippers).
The deal was a shock to just about everyone from LeBron James and Lakers coaches, to dumbfounded Mavs fans, and even Doncic himself. The 6-foot-7 point guard reportedly purchased a $15 million Texas home recently.
Mavericks fans have become so irate that the team has offered to refund season ticket holders after the trade.
‘We value every season ticket member relationship and reps are available to take calls from members with any concerns or questions,’ the Mavericks’ statement read per the Dallas Morning News.
While Doncic watched on from the bench, many wondered when he might be making his debut with the team.
Doncic hasn’t played since December, in what is now his final game with the Mavs, after suffering from a calf strain.
Per ESPN, Doncic is close to a return and is hoping to hit the court in either of the Lakers upcoming games against the Utah Jazz on either February 10 or February 12.
Speaking to reporters in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said the team will work with Doncic’s personal trainers and marketing staff to ensure he returns to the court safely.
‘We have five on five scheduled tomorrow for Luka,’ Pelinka said. ‘We’re gonna take it one day at a time.’
