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Tag: Luka

Luka Doncic trade to Lakers couldn’t be vetoed, NBA commish says

The Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers was so stunning, that fans have been asking NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to veto the trade.

Silver, 62, explained that he does not have the power to veto any trade during a recent appearance on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take.”

“The answer is no, believe it or not. There’s some confusion people have yelled out to me for some reason in the last week or so when I’ve been at games that I should be vetoing that trade the way David Stern vetoed a trade back in the old days and there’s always some confusion there,” Silver said.

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks before the Paris Games 2025 NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers at Accor Arena. (Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters via Imagn Images)

Late NBA Commissioner David Stern vetoed a blockbuster three-way trade following the 2011 lockout.

The Lakers would have acquired 26-year-old superstar point guard Chris Paul to team up with Kobe Bryant from the then-New Orleans Hornets. The Lakers would have shipped out Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. The NBA owned the Hornets at the time, and the general manager, Dell Demps, did not get Sterns’ approval for the trade.

Once Stern found out, he vetoed the trade, but he was only able to veto that blockbuster because the league owned the team, not because he was a commissioner.

Silver said regardless of the merits of the trade, he cannot veto a deal that he does not like.

“I mean the way we don’t put a thumb on the scale, so to speak, when a trade comes into the league office, what our basketball and legal folks do is they make sure that that trade works under the confines of the collective bargaining agreement, whatever rules are in place,” he said. “Then it’s up or down, it gets approved or not based on those rules. We don’t get to weigh in on what we think the merits of the trade are or should be.”

LUKA DONCIC MAKES LAKERS DEBUT AFTER BLOCKBUSTER TRADE

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic gestures as he comes back in during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

When asked if he at least thought it was cool that Doncic would be in a big market now in Los Angeles, Silver pointed out that Dallas is a large media market.

“Frankly, Dallas is a big market, and was I surprised that he was traded from that standpoint? Yeah, I’m a fan and the teams don’t necessarily give the league inside information on those kinds of things, so that trade wasn’t one that I saw coming. By the way, I love Luka. I’ve known him since the day he came into the league. He’s obviously a great player, he’s a great young man and teams make these trades for reasons that in some cases only they know,” Silver said.

Silver added he wanted both the Lakers and Mavericks to be successful following the seismic trade.

“The one thing I’ll say is having been with this league for a long time, like truly nothing is written. People who say they can predict the future generally can’t and we’ll see. I’m sort of rooting for Dallas, and I’m rooting for the Lakers. I’m rooting for Anthony Davis to recover quickly and be the All-Star, we know he can be and stay healthy for a long time and I’m definitely rooting for Luka to demonstrate to the world what a great player he is in LA.”

Davis suffered a groin injury in the Mavericks’ win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday and is expected to miss multiple weeks, per ESPN.

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Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, #3, leaves the game against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

Doncic made his Lakers debut on Monday and scored 14 points in 24 minutes in the Lakers win. It was his first game back from injury since hurting his calf on Christmas.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 13, 2025
Mavericks fans ejected over ‘Fire Nico’ protests amid growing animosity over Luka Doncic trade

It was an exodus of disgruntled Dallas Mavericks fans at American Airlines Center on Monday night after security was seen escorting several people out of the arena after they called for general manager Nico Harrison’s job following the Luka Doncic trade.

Security escorted out several fans that either held up “Fire Nico” signs or shouted out the phrase during the Mavericks’ one-point loss to the Sacramento Kings.

A pair of fans, one waving, is escorted out of the game after holding up a sign that said “Fire Nico,” referencing the Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, during the game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

During a karaoke segment where fans sang along to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” one man was shown on the Jumbotron mouthing the phrase “Fire Nico.”

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The camera quickly panned away.

That same man was also seen holding a sign with the same phrasing. He and another man holding the sign were later seen being escorted away from their seats in a video shared on social media.

According to The Dallas Morning News, two more fans were escorted out in the fourth quarter. Each time, the escorts were met by boos from fans in the surrounding area.

A fan yells, “Fire Nico,” referencing Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison as security approaches him during the Sacramento Kings game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

MAVERICKS GM GETTING BOOST IN SECURITY FOR FIRST HOME GAME SINCE LUKA DONČIĆ TRADE AFTER DEATH THREATS: REPORT

Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season and helped the Mavericks reach an NBA Finals appearance, but was dealt away to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most controversial trades in recent memory.

Fans have since expressed their disdain for Harrison, the mastermind behind the trade, prompting the organization to reportedly increase his security before Saturday’s game over the weekend.

The Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks got Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick. To complete the deal, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis in Dallas, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

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But Davis sustained a groin injury in his debut for Dallas and will be sidelined at least through the All-Star break.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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February 11, 2025
Luka Doncic makes Lakers debut after blockbuster trade

The anticipation for Los Angeles Lakers fans ended on Monday night as Luka Doncic made his debut in purple and gold at the Crypto.com Arena against the Utah Jazz.

Doncic played 24 minutes as all but one Lakers star played under 30 (Austin Reaves). He made the most of it, scoring 14 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists. He was plus-15 while on the floor and 5-of-14 from the field.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic gestures as he comes back in during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

He had not played since Christmas due to an injury and then was the main part of a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers. As fans received Doncic T-shirts, and he stepped onto the floor with LeBron James, Doncic admitted he was a “little nervous.”

“I (don’t remember) the last time I was nervous before the game. But once I stepped on the court again, it was fun. Just being out there, it felt amazing,” he said after the game.

The Lakers won the game 132-113.

MAVERICKS’ ANTHONY DAVIS SUFFERS INJURY IN DEBUT FOLLOWING BLOCKBUSTER TRADE

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic arrives before an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Monday on Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

“Just the amount of cheering there was in the arena was absolutely unbelievable,” Doncic said. “That was my favorite part — and to play again.”

As the season wears on, Doncic’s chemistry with James is going to be a key factor. The Lakers moved to 32-19 on the year with the win and are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference. Being out of the play-in tournament will be a key for the team.

“Knowing Luka, whether he will admit this or not, there was probably a little bit of nerves playing for the Lakers for the first time, and the anticipation that this building had,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said. “I thought he handled it really well, and he played really well tonight. … He didn’t make it about Luka. He made it about playing good basketball and playing Laker basketball.”

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T-shirts with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic’s number are seen played out on fan seats prior to an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles will head to Utah to play the Jazz again before the All-Star break begins.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd says he was unaware of shocking Luka Dončić trade until ‘eleventh hour’

Luka Dončić, a five-time All-NBA first-teamer who is only 25 years old, was traded last week for Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis in a deal that caught everyone in the league by surprise.

Dallas fans were especially upset, with many seemingly agreeing that Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison gave up too much and received too little.

Maverick head coach Jason Kidd recently addressed the angst.

“Our sympathy goes to the fans,” Kidd said after the Mavs’ win over the Boston Celtics Feb. 6.

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd with guard Luka Dončić (77) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 26, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Two days later, Kidd made a surprising admission about his involvement leading up to the blockbuster trade. He said he learned a deal involving Dončić was in progress at the “eleventh hour.”

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“Eleventh hour. Just got a call to come up to the room and was told about the trade,” Kidd said, responding to a question about when he found out Dončić was on the trading block.

Kidd, a former Mavericks point guard, added he can only coach the players on the roster.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd speaks to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić (77) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, March 17, 2024. (Kevin Jairaj/USA Today Sports)

“I’m an employee of the Mavs. I’ve said this before, and some of you maybe overlooked it: I’m the coach. I coach the players that are here. We made a trade, and we’ve got to push forward. That’s what we’re doing,” Kidd said.

“No one’s going to feel bad for us. Trades happen in this game. Things change, coaches change, teams get sold. A lot of things happen that are out of our control, but you’ve got to continue to just do your job, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m the coach. I’m not the decision-maker. I’m here to coach the team that’s given to me, and then I’m judged on that by you guys.”

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Davis sat out Thursday’s game with an abdominal strain. He made his debut with Dallas Saturday, recording a 26-point double-double before exiting the game against the Houston Rockets with a lower-body injury.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 9, 2025
Anthony Davis leaves Mavericks debut with injury after being traded for Luka Dončić

Dallas Mavericks fans were hostile Saturday during the team’s first home game since Luka Dončić was traded.

The 25-year-old reigning scoring champion was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers, who gave up Anthony Davis in return.

Davis made his Dallas debut Saturday amid protests and chants calling for the firing of general manager Nico Harrison outside before the game.

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Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis leaves a game against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

It all started as Harrison had imagined. Davis dominated the first half with 24 points and 13 rebounds.

However, less than four minutes into the third quarter, Davis appeared to injure his groin. Davis had been out with an abdominal strain earlier in the week.

Davis went down without contact as Alperen Sangun of the Houston Rockets drove past him for a layup. Davis grabbed his groin area as he walked slowly toward the offensive end and stayed in the corner near the Dallas bench while his team ran the offense.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis celebrates during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

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Davis didn’t try to go back the other way after the Rockets regained possession. The Mavericks committed a foul to stop the clock and get Davis out of the game. He stayed in the bench area briefly before leaving the court, and he was not spotted on the bench in the fourth quarter.

The 31-year-old big man has had injury issues in the past, but he did play in a career-high 76 games last year.

Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after an injury in a game against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center Feb. 8, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

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The Mavs got a 116-105 win, but surely their fans are holding their breath.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 9, 2025
Mavericks GM getting boost in security for first home game since Luka Dončić trade after death threats: report

The Dallas Mavericks will play their first home game since the organization traded Luka Dončić Saturday, and general manager Nico Harrison will be on alert.

The trade took the entire sports world by surprise, and Mavs fans have made their displeasure known.

The anger is understandable. A 25-year-old global superstar who led the NBA in scoring last year and helped the Mavs to an NBA Finals appearance was traded away.

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center in Dallas Jan. 27, 2025. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

Protests took place outside American Airlines Center Sunday, with one group of fans even bringing a casket to signify their fandom dying.

But other fans have apparently taken it to an unacceptable level and have made death threats against Harrison.

According to ESPN, that has led to “beefed up” security for Harrison for Saturday’s game.

“This is a heartbroken fan base. There have been some very unfortunate developments regarding that anger. Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats. There have been racial epithets included in some of those. Certainly, security is going to be beefed up. There will be protests outside the arena,” Tim McMahon said on Friday.

“Nico Harrison is not going to be in his normal seat. There’s no reason to subject him to that kind of security risk. That has been an unfortunate part of this storyline. Obviously, the fans’ anger, they have every right to feel like they got a generational superstar ripped away from them, but, certainly, lines have been crossed.”

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at UCLA Health Training Center. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)

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Harrison cited defense as a primary reason for the trade, while also noting the risk Dončić, eligible for a $345 million contract, could have left the team next year.

“We really feel like we got ahead of what was going to be a tumultuous summer, him being eligible for the supermax and also a year away from him being able to opt out of any contract,” Harrison said earlier this week. “And so we really felt like we got out in front of that. We know teams, they’ve had it out there, teams have been loading up to try to sign him once that comes available.”

The Lakers acquired Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks got Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick. To complete the deal, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

In the Mavs’ first game without Dončić, they lost by over 40 points, but neither Kyrie Irving nor Davis played.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Dončić speaks during an introductory press conference Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in El Segundo, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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Dallas will host the Houston Rockets at 3 p.m. ET Saturday.

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February 7, 2025
Luka Doncic trade has NFL stars dumbfounded at Super Bowl LIX: ‘It’s like trading Lamar’

NEW ORLEANS – It’s Super Bowl LIX week down in New Orleans, and all eyes are focused on the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles rematch in the “Big Game.”

But not all the talk is about football in the Big Easy because of what just went down in the NBA: Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

A few NFL stars spoke to Fox News Digital about the trade, which left them flabbergasted as the Dallas Mavericks sent away their 25-year-old superstar guard.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is introduced at UCLA Health Training Center. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)

“There’s no trade in history I feel like that really compares that type of trade,” Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs said. “A top three player in the NBA, 25 years old, is in the prime of his career – it’s literally that fan base’s face – to get traded for peanuts basically? I don’t think there’s nothing comparable to it.”

Jacobs mentioned Cleveland Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett formally requesting a trade, and how it will be interesting to watch that play out. But it will only “ruffle some feathers” in Jacobs’ eyes.

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The Doncic trade did much more than that for the sports world, let alone the NBA.

Even some players who don’t watch basketball regularly couldn’t fathom the Mavericks moving on from the face of their franchise. Free agent receiver Braxton Berrios even thinks something must have gone down behind closed doors because of how buttoned up it was to the public.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at UCLA Health Training Center. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)

“When that came up, my buddy had my phone and he goes, ‘You’ll never believe what just happened.’ I was like, ‘What?’ Luka had just gotten traded,” Berrios recalled. “I think it’s insane, there has to be a backstory there we’re not knowing, because you don’t trade the cornerstone of your franchise. Obviously, the fallout of the season tickets now, and they’re offering refunds and credits. That’s a bad deal.”

Is there even a comparison to the Doncic trade within the NFL? Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. said something football fans wouldn’t fathom happening to prove his point about how “crazy” the trade was.

“That’s like trading Lamar [Jackson], that’s trading Pat [Mahomes]. It’s crazy,” Penix said, laughing.

Some thought the trade wasn’t even real when it went down, but it became official with Dallas getting All-Star center Anthony Davis, reserve guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick in return.

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The Mavericks believe that this move, despite how shocking it was, will help them now and into the future. Meanwhile, the Lakers have a new dynamic duo with LeBron James and Doncic, a pair no one thought would be sharing a court together other than in an All-Star Game.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Ex-Warriors investor floats theory about NBA, international league competition amid Luka Doncic trade fallout

The dust continues to settle in the days following the shocking trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers formally welcomed the 25-year-old on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis and Max Christie continue to settle into their new surroundings with the Mavericks.

The Slovenian basketball superstar won his first scoring title last season, before leading the Mavs to the NBA Finals. Doncic is also a five-time All-NBA selection and a five-time All-Star.

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A basketball is placed on the court next to an NBA logo during a break in the first half of a game in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Amid his reaction to the blockbuster deal, former Golden State Warriors minority owner and venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya provided some insight about his decision to sell his stake in the NBA franchise.

Palihapitiya revealed the decision partially revolved around his belief the league would soon be forced to contend with a serious competitor.

“I sold my ownership in the Warriors last year, in part, because I was pretty sure competition for the NBA was coming a la LIV Golf vs PGA,” Palihapitiya wrote in a reply on X, formerly known as Twitter, to a post from Texas-based attorney Adam Loewy.

LUKA DONCIC DETAILS LAKERS TRADE ‘SHOCK’ AT INTRODUCTORY PRESS CONFERENCE

Loewy cited Chris Kratovil, another lawyer, who offered an analysis of the monumental trade involving Doncic. The lawyer theorized that the Mavs decision to move on from Doncic was part of a hypothetical strategy to maintain enough leverage to potentially move the franchise out of Texas if the state does not eventually legalize sports gambling.

Mark Cuban sold his controlling interest in the Mavericks in 2023 to the family of Miriam Adelson. The family owns a casino company. Cuban did remain on as a minority owner, but he is no longer involved in the day-to-day basketball operations.

The Dallas Mavericks logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 09, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Palihapitiya also suggested LeBron James should be the preferred choice, should the speculative competitor ever materialize.

“The (speculated) antics below only reinforce the likelihood that a group of well heeled investors with $5-10B could quickly stand up a competitor to the NBA. After this trade, they may want to start with Luka and pay him his supermax and get LeBron by making him the commissioner.”

James’ trusted business partner, Maverick Carter, is pursuing $5 billion in capital from investors with the goal of launching a new basketball league outside of North America, Front Office Sports reported. James is not believed to have any involvement in the international basketball league effort.

After an influx of apparent phone calls, Palihapitiya made another post on X which outlined what an international basketball league that directly competes with the NBA could entail.

Donic reacted to the trade, saying he was initially in a state of disbelief. “You can imagine how surprised I was,” Doncic said on Tuesday. “I had to check if it was April 1. I didn’t really believe it.”

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The superstar has begun to recover after his first two days in Los Angeles, and he’s growing increasingly excited about a new chapter with James and the Lakers.

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“It was a big shock,” Doncic said. “(Dallas) was home, so it was really hard moments for me. … (But now) I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I’m excited for this new journey.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 5, 2025
Luka Doncic details Lakers trade ‘shock’ at introductory press conference

Luka Doncic was introduced as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday, days after the team acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

The trade sent shock waves across the sports world. The Lakers sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas in a three-team deal that included the Utah Jazz.

The Slovenian superstar said he woke up in the middle of the night to the call informing him he was on the move.

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic, right, and general manager Rob Pelinka field questions during an introductory NBA basketball press conference Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in El Segundo, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

“I was almost asleep when I got a call. I had to check to see if it was April 1. I didn’t really believe it at first. It was a big shock,” the 25-year-old said, via FOX 4 News.

He opened up about the emotions he felt as he had to leave the Dallas area, a place he’s called home since the Mavericks acquired him during the 2018 NBA Draft in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks.

HOW BAD WAS LUKA DONČIĆ DEAL FOR MAVERICKS? WHO REALLY ‘WON’ THE TRADE?

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic speaks during an introductory NBA basketball press conference Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in El Segundo, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

“It was a big shock,” Doncic said. “(Dallas) was home, so it was really hard moments for me. … (But now) I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I’m excited for this new journey.

“Honestly, it was hard at first,” he added. “That first day was really hard. I felt like these last 48 hours was one month. Emotionally, it was really hard, but today was much better. This is the Lakers. It’s one of the best clubs in history, so I’m excited to be here.”

Doncic said he was looking forward to playing alongside LeBron James, who he’s described as his idol.

“It’s just like a dream come true,” Doncic said. “I always looked up to him. There’s so many things I can learn from him, and I’m just excited to learn everything and get to play with him. It’s an amazing feeling.”

From left to right, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, Luka Doncic and head coach JJ Redick pose for photos during an introductory press conference Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in El Segundo, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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Doncic has not played since Christmas because he’s been dealing with a calf strain. He will participate in 5-on-5 work Wednesday, and the Lakers will later decide when he will make his debut in purple and gold.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 4, 2025
Luka Doncic’s father blasts Mavericks for trading son to Lakers: ‘Absolutely doesn’t deserve this’

Reaction has been flooding in after the Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA world by trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Doncic’s father, Sasa, isn’t too pleased with his now-former team’s treatment of his son.

The elder Doncic made an appearance with Arena Sport Slovenija, where he called the Mavericks’ treatment of Luka “very unfair,” saying that the trade “hurts me personally.”

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic talks with his father Sasa Doncic before the game against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-USA Today Sports)

“I understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy,” Sasa said in Slovenian, which was translated by Arena Sport Slovenija. “You don’t like this or that player, all good, I get it. But I think that exactly this secrecy, or should I say from some individuals, maybe even hypocrisy, this hurts me personally.

“Because I think that Luka absolutely doesn’t deserve this. Giving the fact that at least, as I know, sacrificed himself enormously and even all the stories now that someone is releasing that he wants to apologize for the things that they’re doing. I feel like this is very unfair from some individuals because I know that Luka respected Dallas a lot. He respected the whole city, helped children.”

Some of the “unfair” treatment Sasa is discussing could revolve around a report from ESPN that said the Mavericks had concerns about Doncic’s conditioning, which could impede the 25-year-old reaching his full potential.

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And with the trade, Luka no longer qualifies for a $323 million supermax extension, though the Lakers could give him a $230 million extension.

Luka has not seen an NBA floor since Christmas, as he’s been dealing with a strained left calf he suffered on the holiday. The league leader in points per game last season was averaging 28.1 points before the injury.

The trade, though, was shocking even with Lakers star Anthony Davis being involved in the package because of Luka’s young age, coupled with his accomplishments, including leading a Mavericks team to the NBA Finals last season. He is a five-time All-Star and won Western Conference Finals MVP during that title run last year, which ultimately fell short to the Boston Celtics.

Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks for a foul call during the NBA Finals game against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center in Dallas on June 12, 2024. (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Sasa discussed those conditioning concerns, dismissing them after seeing what his son did during the 2023-24 season.

“It wasn’t even a problem last year since, I am saying again, one individual said he’s not fit enough,” Sasa explained. “That he played, I don’t know, 100 games, practically 40 minutes with two or three players constantly on him. That he was beaten, and you say such things about him. I feel that this is very unfair from certain individuals. You traded him, stand by your actions but don’t look for excuses or alibis, that’s it.”

While GM Nico Harrison explained his decision after the trade, which was at first believed to be false, became official, the team faced backlash from its fan base for sending off the face of the franchise.

A group of fans was even spotted having a symbolic funeral outside American Airlines Center on Sunday, with a baby blue casket being brought in and draped with Doncic jerseys, fan art, T-shirts and more.

Sasa Doncic watches his son, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, during warmups before the Denver Nuggets game at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-USA Today Sports)

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Harrison’s explanation was that the trade was “going to make us better,” while also selling that the move “sets us up to win not only now, but in the future.”

Dallas is currently placed ninth in the Western Conference with a 26-24 record after being blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, 144-101. Davis, who wasn’t with the team yet, and Kyrie Irving were not on the floor for the Mavericks.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 3, 2025