The Luka-Lebron Lakers: What Now?
Who are the Dallas Mavericks without Luka Doncic?
For years, Luka Doncic was the face of the Dallas Mavericks, carrying the franchise much like Dirk Nowitzki did before him.
Drafted in 2018 at 19 years old, Doncic quickly became one of the NBA`s brightest stars. He then signed a five-year rookie extension with them in 2021, making the biggest contract in NBA history at the time of a staggering $215 million. Therefore, many fans had hoped his story would mirror Nowitzki’s, by spending his entire career in Dallas and bringing the Mavericks another championship
But the Mavericks manager, Nico Harrison, had other plans. In a bold move, Harrison decided to trade Doncic and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.
This blockbuster trade sent shockwaves through the NBA and forever changed both teams' trajectories.
"I mean, everyone was surprised, so you can imagine how surprised I was," Doncic said. "I was almost asleep when I got the call, and I had to check to see if it was April 1st. I didn’t believe it at first. It was a big shock, a hard moment for me. It was home."
With the sudden news, he had no time to question any decisions; he had to move forward. He played his first few games with the Lakers shortly after his trade.
Doncic’s first games with the Lakers were in the following order:
February 10th - Lakers vs Utah Jazz (W 132-113)
February 12th - Lakers vs Utah Jazz (L 131-119)
February 19th - Charlotte Hornets (L 100-97)
February 20th - Portland Trail Blazers (W 110-102)
February 22nd -Denver Nuggets (W 123-100)
Despite their losses, Lebron James remained optimistic about Doncic’s transition to Los Angeles.
"We all have to transform our game for the betterment of him. But it's not going to happen overnight. We know that,” James said. “But my message [to Luka] has been, 'Just be you. You don't have to confine [your game] to us. We need to figure it out with you.' Whatever he needs, I'm here."
After their back-to-back losses were put to the side, the real challenge came on Tuesday, February 25, only 25 days after the trade, where Doncic had to face his now former team, the Dallas Mavericks, as an opponent.
On the other hand, the Lakers beat the Mavs 107-99, further proving that Doncic`s absence left a significant hole in the hearts of Mavs fans.
"The closure is going to take a while, I think," Doncic said. "It's not ideal. But like I said, I'm glad this game is over. There was a lot of emotions. But we go little by little, and every day is better."
It may take a while for fans of both teams to mourn the losses of their favorite players, but we may be seeing one of the best duos in NBA history being made right before our eyes. As Mavericks fans continue to mourn the loss of their beloved player, Lakers fans are beginning to witness the formation of a dynamic duo.