Watch: Luka Don
ić Arrives in Los Angeles After Shocking Trade Ushering a New Era in Lakers Lore
The Arrival
The Los Angeles Lakers newest superstar has officially arrived to the City of Angels.
Less than 24 hours after one of the most shocking trades in NBA history went down late Saturday night, Luka Don
ić, the city’s newest star touched down in Tinseltown on Sunday night.
The Trade
Don
ić arrived in style, after a private jet was sent to pick up the Serbian basketball player along with teammate Maxi Kleber from Dallas. Clad in a black hoodie, Don
ić flashed the LA hand gesture that’s sure to make headlines tomorrow, while simultaneously breaking the hearts of his loyal fans back in Dallas.
The blockbuster deal between the Lakers and Mavericks sent Don
ić to L.A. in exchange for All-Star center Anthony Davis, a 2029 first-round pick, and Max Christie. The Utah Jazz were also part of the trade, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers, as well as two second-round draft picks.
The Impact
For the Lakers, this is a seismic shift. Don
ić, just 25 years old, is a five-time All-NBA First Team selection and one of the most dominant offensive forces in the game. While Davis has been a cornerstone for Los Angeles, injuries and long-term concerns may have played a role in the front office’s decision to secure a younger franchise centerpiece.
The Cost
Don
ić was reportedly shocked by the move, and has not answered calls from his former boss Nico Harrison, or head coach Jason Kidd. In addition to the surprise decision to ship him out of Dallas, the move also comes with a costly price for the all-world point guard.
By leaving Dallas, Don
ić gives up the possibility of signing a five-year, $345 million supermax contract extension this summer. Instead, the most the Lakers can offer him is five years at approximately $230 million—a staggering $115 million difference.
The Future
While that financial factor loomed over trade discussions, Don
ić’s long-term fit as the next great Lakers superstar once LeBron James decides to retire made the deal too enticing to pass up for Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka.
The trade also reunites Don
ić with his former teammate in Lakers’ head coach J.J. Redick. Don
ić and Redick played alongside each other with the Mavericks in 20221, the last season of the latter’s career.
A New Era
Don
ić’s arrival ushers in a new era in Lakers basketball history. The Lakers newest superstar has arrived, and hopefully he will be here to stay (Don
ić can become a free agent after the 2026 season if he does not sign an extension before then).
The next big question will be how Don
ić fits alongside James, two ball-dominant players. Also, will the Lakers make more moves before the Feb. 6 trade deadline to replace the defense and rim protection they lost by sending Davis to Dallas. Time will tell on both of those things, but what is for certain is that one of the NBA’s biggest stars just landed in Hollywood, and the league will never be the same again.
Conclusion
Luka Don
ić’s arrival in Los Angeles marks a significant shift in the NBA landscape. The 25-year-old superstar brings a new level of excitement and talent to the Lakers, and his presence will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the team. As the Lakers look to build around Don
ić and LeBron James, the future is bright for the franchise.
FAQs
Q: What did the Lakers give up in the trade?
A: The Lakers traded Anthony Davis, a 2029 first-round pick, and Max Christie to the Mavericks in exchange for Luka Don
ić.
Q: What is the financial impact of the trade on Don
ić?
A: Don
ić gives up the possibility of signing a five-year, $345 million supermax contract extension with the Mavericks. Instead, the Lakers can offer him a five-year deal worth approximately $230 million.
Q: How does Don
ić fit alongside LeBron James?
A: The two ball-dominant players will need to find a way to coexist on the court. The Lakers will need to make adjustments to accommodate both players’ styles and strengths.
