Luka Doncic has quickly embraced life in Los Angeles after being traded from Dallas, but his contract contains a surprising clause as the Lakers star revealed a restriction that limits his participation in one popular local activity.
Despite enjoying the city and its beaches, the Slovenian point guard told Snoop Dogg that although he loves Los Angeles and the lifestyle it offers in Southern California, he cannot surf.
“No. I can’t. It’s in my contract. I would like to, but I can’t,” Doncic said when asked about surfing during an interview.
He explained that he prefers wakeboarding, a sport he learned long ago, but cannot fully enjoy in Los Angeles due to the contractual prohibition.
This restriction stands out as unusual to the common person, as surfing is a regular pastime in coastal California, but contractual protections for athletes often limit high-risk hobbies to protect them from injury.
Athletes’ contracts often include clauses preventing risky activities that could threaten their careers, for example, the Washington Post highlighted that NBA players are frequently barred from boxing, motorcycling, professional wrestling, skydiving, and hang-gliding.
Doncic has a pretty big incentive to follow the front office command, however, as his current deal with the Lakers is a three-year, $161.3 million contract, including a $57.7 million player option in 2028.
He did not specify whether similar restrictions existed in his 2021 contract with the Dallas Mavericks, where he began his professional career and established himself as an MVP contender.
He ended up in LA following a trade that’s stunned the basketball world when Shams Charania confirmed the blockbuster deal in February, with Anthony Davis and some draft picks heading in the opposite direction.
Despite leaving Dallas, Doncic has adapted quickly to Los Angeles. He expressed appreciation for the city, its fans, and its beaches, embracing his new surroundings next to LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Doncic makes Dallas Mavericks pay for trade as he stars for Lakers
Meanwhile on the court, Doncic dominated his former team in a 129-119 victory, scoring 35 points, hitting 4 of 9 three-pointers, and converting all 11 free throws as he added 11 assists, five rebounds, and one block.
Demonstrating his all-around impact on the court, the Slovenian guard has been unstoppable, and has now produced a double-double in four straight games and scored at least 33 points in five consecutive contests.
Across this stretch, he has averaged 37.8 points, 9.6 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, showcasing elite-level performance consistently as he enters the MVP conversation and proves he can replace James when the latter retires.
“I would say it’s a little bit easier now,” Doncic said, of taking on the Mavericks. “But games against Dallas always have some special meaning to me.
“I still have a lot of friends there. It’s important, it’s fun, and it’s always special. Like I say, it’ll always be special for me.”
In the 129-119 game, Reaves contributed 38 points and eight rebounds for Los Angeles whilst for Dallas, P.J. Washington led the scoring with 22 points, while Anthony Davis had 12 points in 28 minutes in his first game of November.
The Mavericks will need to adjust after the loss, reflecting on their 5-14 start to the season. Their next matchup is against the Los Angeles Clippers and the game is scheduled for 22:00 ET/19:00 PT.
Read the full article here
