The Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the NBA with their blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic, a move that saw franchise cornerstone Anthony Davis and promising young player Max Christie head to the Dallas Mavericks.
With the deal raising eyebrows across the league, Lakers owner and president Jeanie Buss has now provided insight into why the team made such a high-stakes decision.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Buss acknowledged that acquiring a player of Doncic’s caliber was an exciting opportunity but admitted that it came at a cost.
“Luka is a very special player. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the Laker team, but we had to give up a lot to get him,” Buss explained.
“We’re going to miss Anthony Davis and Max Christie. It’s like you’re always trying to improve the team, get a little bit better and, ultimately, win a championship.
The trade has been widely debated, as many believed Doncic would spend his entire career with the Mavericks.
However, the Lakers saw a chance to pair the 25-year-old superstar with LeBron James and took it, hoping to build another championship-contending roster.
Doncic’s early impact with the Lakers
Doncic made his Lakers debut on February 10 against the Utah Jazz, scoring 14 points in 24 minutes as Los Angeles secured a dominant 132-113 win.
His second game with the team, also against Utah, saw him contribute 16 points, four assists, and four rebounds in 26 minutes. Despite a strong effort from LeBron James, who finished with 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, the Lakers fell 131-119.
Currently, the Lakers hold a 32-20 record, placing them fifth in the Western Conference standings. With Doncic now part of the squad, the team aims to solidify its position as a serious title contender.
Their next test will be a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena, where fans will be eager to see how Doncic continues to adjust to his new team.
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