It’s been almost a year since one of the biggest trades in NBA history flipped Luka Doncic’s life upside down.
If I could go back to when I first found out the Dallas Mavericks had traded me to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1, I think I’d have some reassuring words for myself.
“I believe everything will be alright,” Doncic shared with the California Post. “I was pretty shocked back then. But I’ve come to realize I’m in a good place now.”
Initially, Doncic felt a sense of betrayal from an organization he had envisioned spending his career with. Now, he recognizes the immense opportunity he has with the Lakers. That initial heartbreak seems to have fueled an impressive MVP campaign, especially considering the franchise might have let him go just months after reaching the Finals in 2024.
Right now, Doncic’s scoring average is at a league-leading 33.6 points per game. He topped the fan voting for the All-Star Game and has become the most-followed player on NBA social media outlets.
Mark Cuban, the former owner of the Mavericks, believes the trade transformed Doncic into a powerhouse, ramping up his performance.
“Players like him and [Nikola] Jokic—they’re just different,” Cuban remarked during a Taco Bell ad. “If you humiliate one of them, it feels like a dismissal… Doncic is a fierce competitor.”
Doncic can’t pinpoint the exact moment he started to change after the whirlwind trade.
He remembers being awestruck by the view of the Pacific Ocean from the court. Then, in his fourth game with the Lakers—a solid victory over Denver—he felt a sense of relief and was able to find his rhythm.
But last season? He was still grappling with the aftermath, feeling like a mere shadow of his former self.
Fast forward to now, things are notably different.
He shares jokes with Austin Reeves, and the banter between them sometimes plays out in the media. Doncic has made deliberate efforts to connect with teammates, even organizing a Porsche Driving Experience where they all took a spin in high-performance cars.
Off the court, he’s radiating positivity. On it, there’s a palpable hunger driving him.
Doncic truly excels at offense.
He may not be the fastest player, but his cleverness makes him a formidable opponent. He’s got a unique way of changing his pace—sort of like a conductor, navigating between faster and slower rhythms, leaving defenders confused.
Passing of the Torch
This season, he’s added more physicality to his game, also accepting the challenge from Lakers coach JJ Redick to focus on passing more. While he’s drawn inspiration from LeBron James, who’s known for his fitness, Doncic has faced his share of criticism about his own conditioning in the past.
James, familiar with constant media scrutiny, has not just passed the torch to Doncic but has tried to mentor him as well, sharing insights on how he reached the pinnacle of the sport.
“I’m just using my voice, trying to lead by example,” James said. “Doncic is now, not just a future star. I truly admire him and want to be part of his journey.”
Doncic has acknowledged the wisdom he’s gaining from James.
“He’s incredibly professional,” Doncic noted. “At 41, he’s committed to playing every game. The way he takes care of himself—it’s impressive.”
This season, Doncic has notched seven games where he scored 40 points or more, including an outstanding 46-point, 12-assist game against Chicago. Despite injuries to key players like James and Reeves, the Lakers remain in playoff contention, holding the No. 5 seed.
That initial trade still lingers in his mind. Doncic faced harsh criticism as he tried to adapt. Traveling 1,500 miles mid-season added to the scrutiny about his fitness and performance.
Determined to change the narrative, Doncic committed to training rigorously over the summer, even losing significant weight. He came into this season possibly in the best shape of his career.
However, after a game where he excelled, he was caught on camera expressing reluctance to show his physique while handing over his jersey to Naji Marshall.
“I’m aware of the chatter,” Doncic said. “Many will change their stance if they were in my position. So, I focus on what I can control.”
Yet, he opted for privacy when he handed over his jersey.
“I understand the visibility,” Doncic explained. “That’s why I preferred not to do it publicly.”
Ultimately, Doncic is focused on what lies ahead with the Lakers, not on unsupportive voices.
Always in LA
He recognizes he’s part of a historically significant franchise, one that boasts 17 championships and legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson.
“This is a major opportunity for me,” Doncic mentioned. “I feel great where I am. The team is solid. I feel authentic as a player and love being in LA with the fans. It’s a good situation for me.”
When asked if he thinks the Lakers can secure a championship if he, James, and Reeves stay healthy, there was no hesitation.
“Absolutely,” Doncic confirmed. “Despite injuries, I believe we have one of the best lineups. When everyone is fit, we can be a phenomenal team.”
When prodded about whether this season is his best, he shrugged it off.
“I’m not sure,” Doncic replied. “Some games stand out, some don’t. There’s still more for me to prove. So I can’t definitively say this is the best I’ve played.”
Maxi Kleber, a familiar face after eight seasons with Doncic and a part of that significant trade, has noted Doncic’s evolution, particularly as a leader.
“He’s become better at guiding his teammates, directing them on where to be and how to play,” Kleber observed.
Redick picked up on this growth too.
“Every coaching point—be it interacting with referees or defensive duties—counts as leadership,” Redick said. “He’s noticeably more advanced than he was last season.”
And Cuban isn’t surprised to see this development in Doncic.
He believes had Doncic wielded any bargaining power last season, the trade might have turned out differently. Despite being a setback for such a star player, it may present challenges for other teams.
Cuban recalls when he let Steve Nash go in 2004 to become a free agent, leading Nash to win two MVPs with the Suns. He speculates Doncic might follow a similar path.
Doncic was already among the top three players in Dallas, but now—something has ignited.
“I’ve faced a lot,” Doncic stated. “That’s what keeps my hunger alive. It’s what drives me here today.”
