Lakers’ Newest Star Luka Dončić Donates $500,000 to California Wildfire Relief
Luka Dončić Has Recorded His First Assist as a Member of the Los Angeles Lakers
Dončić has yet to make his Lakers debut–which is expected to happen on Monday evening–but he’s already making an impact on the community far beyond the hardwood.
From the Basketball Court to Community Service
Before donning the iconic purple and gold, on the court, the five-time All-NBA point guard stepped up for his new city that is still reeling from devastation.
$500,000 Donation to Wildfire Relief Efforts
Dončić, acquired by the Lakers in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks on February 1, announced on Monday morning that his foundation is donating $500,000 to wildfire relief efforts.
Dončić made the announcement in an Instagram post for his Luka Dončić foundation that read:
“One month after the fires, many families are still rebuilding their lives. Today, the Luka Dončić Foundation is committing $500,000 to immediate fire recovery efforts, and will work with local organizations to help rebuild play spaces destroyed by the fires.
We’re committed to helping kids in affected communities get back to playing and being kids.
#LAWildfires #LAStrong”
Part of a Broader Effort
The donation was made through the Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, which will provide immediate relief while also funding long-term projects to restore playgrounds, fields, and courts lost to the flames.
Dončić reportedly saw some of the devastation in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena communities and wanted to help his new city rebuild as soon as he could, and in any way that he could.
Other Sports Stars Give Back
Doncic isn’t alone in giving back. A month ago, Los Angeles’ sports community came together, with teams collectively donating $8 million to wildfire relief. Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, a Southern California resident since 2018, also pledged $500,000. Freddie Freeman contributed $300,000. Chris Taylor’s CT3 Foundation launched a fundraising campaign, matching donations up to $5,000.
And then there’s Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, whose $15 million commitment dwarfed them all, directing aid specifically to Altadena—a historic, racially diverse community hit hard by the Eaton Fire. The FireAid benefit concert at the Ballmer-owned Intuit Dome and Kia Forum only strengthened the city’s united front in supporting those affected.
A Heartfelt Gesture
Doncic’s donation struck a chord well beyond L.A. Many of the comments on his Instagram post came from Mavericks fans still heartbroken over his departure.
“That’s why Dallas loves him so much—because he has a genuine heart. ❤️” one fan wrote.
“This is the real reason Dallas is so sad to lose Luka. Goes so much beyond the court, it was 177% about culture and community,” another added.
The Luka Dončić Foundation
According to their website, the mission of the Luka Dončić Foundation is to help young people discover their potential through sports, play spaces, and wellness support. The Foundation launched in December 2024 with the release of a detailed report on the state of youth basketball in the U.S. and Europe.
The Foundation plans to donate significant additional funding over the next two years to help make sure that kids who’ve lost their play spaces – what Luka calls his “peace place” – are able to get back on the playground, field or court as soon as possible for the sake of their mental and physical wellbeing.
The Foundation believes that play spaces are critical infrastructure. Helping kids find joy when they need it most is imperative.
The Foundation is actively exploring how best to go about these efforts alongside the many incredible organizations working to help rebuild Los Angeles.
Conclusion
With Dončić expected to make his Lakers debut on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena against the Utah Jazz, fans in Los Angeles will know that even before he scores a single point for the purple and gold, he will have already delivered his first–and arguably most important–assist for the community.
FAQs
Q: What is the Luka Dončić Foundation?
A: The Luka Dončić Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people discover their potential through sports, play spaces, and wellness support.
Q: What is the mission of the Luka Dončić Foundation?
A: The mission of the Luka Dončić Foundation is to help young people discover their potential through sports, play spaces, and wellness support.
Q: How much has the Luka Dončić Foundation donated to wildfire relief efforts?
A: The Luka Dončić Foundation has donated $500,000 to wildfire relief efforts.
Q: What is the Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund?
A: The Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund is a non-profit organization that provides immediate relief and long-term support to communities affected by wildfires.
