‘It’s Just Not True’: Luka Doncic Dismisses Rumours of Dallas Mavericks Trade Due to Fitness Concerns

NBA sensation Luka Dončić has shared his astonishment at the Dallas Mavericks trading him to the Los Angeles Lakers, marking one of the most surprising transactions in the league’s history.

“It caught everyone off guard, and I was no different,” he stated during the press conference following his introduction as a Lakers player. “I was nearly asleep when the call came. I had to double-check the date—thought perhaps it was April Fools’ Day! I honestly couldn’t believe it at first.”

“It was an enormous shock, and especially tough for me because Dallas was home—those initial moments were really challenging,” he added.

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Dončić, a new father, had just secured a stunning $15 million mansion in Dallas just a week prior to the news, which reportedly left him emotional and struggling to comprehend how the franchise that picked him could make such a decision after reaching the NBA Finals last year.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka disclosed that Mavericks GM Nico Harrison broached the topic of a possible trade during a coffee meeting in Dallas.

Negotiations spanned three weeks, with only the two general managers and team owners privy to the potential trade until it was finalised.

The Lakers and Mavericks finalised the transaction on Monday (AEDT), which also saw Anthony Davis heading to Dallas as part of a three-team deal involving the Utah Jazz.

At the time of the trade, Doncic was in his seventh season with the Mavericks, averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. He led Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2024 but hasn’t played since injuring his left calf on December 25. Pelinka stated Doncic is currently listed as day-to-day.

When asked about his feelings towards his former team, particularly general manager Harrison, regarding the trade, Doncic responded, “That’s a decision they made. I have no comment on it. I don’t know the reasoning behind it, but that’s just what they chose to do.”

Doncic refuted suggestions that his conditioning and lifestyle were concerns for the Mavericks after those details emerged publicly. “It’s a narrative—I know it’s not true—but it’s being used as an excuse,” he remarked. “It’s a significant consideration for the long term.”

When queried about feeling the need to prove himself in Los Angeles, he replied affirmatively: “Absolutely. The aim is to win a championship. There’s no other reason for being here. I’ve got everything to prove, and winning the championship is the goal.”

Speculation had circulated suggesting that the franchise was keen to trade Doncic partly due to his potential hesitancy to sign a supermax extension with Dallas.

When asked if anyone in his inner circle had hinted that might be the case, his reply was straightforward: “Definitely not.”

Dončić expressed his enthusiasm at the prospect of joining “the greatest club in the world” and mentioned that he had already been in touch with his new teammate LeBron James.

“He reached out to me immediately,” Doncic shared. “We didn’t have a lengthy conversation, but he said, ‘I understand what you’re going through.’ It was really thoughtful of him to call and welcome me to LA.”

The five-time NBA All-Star also highlighted his excitement at the chance to play alongside one of his idols. “It feels like a dream come true. I have always admired him, and there’s so much I can learn from him. I’m just thrilled to absorb everything and now get to compete with him—it’s an incredible feeling,” he admitted.

“I believe both of us will elevate our teammates’ performances. Our basketball IQ is high, so I think that’ll prove beneficial for everyone involved.”

Pelinka also addressed the media at the press conference, expressing his delight at having Dončić, whom he referred to as “a top three player in the universe,” joining the Lakers.

“Luka Dončić teaming up with the Los Angeles Lakers is a monumental moment in NBA history,” Pelinka remarked. “We are welcoming a 25-year-old global superstar onto the stage of the most renowned and influential basketball franchise worldwide. When these two powerful entities unite, it brings pure joy to basketball lovers around the globe—because Luka plays with such passion.”

However, he acknowledged the challenge of acquiring a championship-calibre big man before the trade deadline this Friday (AEDT). “We’re aware we need a big man. The current market for centres, as we approach the trade deadline, is quite stagnant. There isn’t a lot on offer,” Pelinka explained.

“Perhaps we’ll manage to make minor adjustments, but in terms of a significant move to fulfil that need, it appears more likely to occur in the off-season.”