Luka Dončić admits learning of shock trade to Lakers was ‘really hard’

Luka Dončić says he was just as shocked as the rest of the basketball world when the Dallas Mavericks exchanged him to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Although trade was first reported this weekend, Dončić officially joined the Lakers on Tuesday and says that he is already enthusiastic about a new chapter with LeBron James and his famous new team.

‘[News of the trade] Was a big shock, “said Dončić. “They were difficult moments for me. I had to check if it was [April Fools’ Day] … [But now] I play in the best club in the world and I am enthusiastic about this new trip. “

The Lakers exchanged Anthony Davis and Max Christie in a deal with three teams to acquire Dončić, who won his first scoring title last season before liding the MAVs to the NBA Finals. Dončić, still only 25, is a five-fold all-nba selection.

Stars of the age and performance of Dončić are almost never traded, but Dallas decided to continue from their franchise star – and the Lakers eagerly accepted. Dončić acknowledged that he was amazed.

“To be honest, it was difficult in the beginning,” said Dončić. “That first day was really difficult. I felt that these last 48 hours was a month. It was really difficult emotional, but today was much better. I am just very happy to be here for this opportunity. These are the Lakers. It is one of the best clubs in history, so I am excited to be here. “

Rob Pelinka, general manager of Lakers, did not hide his excitement from Dončić landing when they met the media in the team’s training complex.

“We have one of the biggest superstars of the game and an international player who joins the Lakers,” Pelinka said. “I think it will be something incredibly special that the NBA and basketball have never seen before.”

The trade surprised the sports world and left many mavs fans furiously. Reports about the trade – who indicated that the Mavericks were not satisfied with the dedication of Dončić to his fitness – made the player’s father, Sasa, who said his son “absolutely did not deserve this.”

Dončić has not played since Christmas because of a veal stem, but it is thought that he is close to a return to court. The Lakers will have four games in the Los Angeles area in the next seven days, including a road game against the clippers on Tuesday evening.

The Lakers also acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris on the market with Dallas.