Luka Doncic details Lakers trade 'shock' at introductory press conference
Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Eddie House talks with Jason McIntyre about the trade and says the Mavericks won the trade in the short term.
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