Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said superstar guard Luka Doncic has moved past the disappointment he felt when first learning he had been traded from the Dallas Mavericks and has now “embraced the Lakers” and life in Los Angeles.
Buss shared the update during a recent interview with Slovenian outlet radio1slo, describing the 26-year-old’s emotional journey after the franchise-shifting deal. “I’ve never seen a player arrive in Los Angeles as sad as he was,” she said, noting that Doncic had expected to spend his entire career in Dallas. “The trade was a huge surprise to him, so he had to process it. Now he’s all about L.A., and it’s good.”
Trade shock gives way to new commitment
The Lakers acquired Doncic in a blockbuster move earlier this offseason. On Aug. 2, 2025, the organization held a press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo to announce a three-year, $165 million contract extension, signaling a long-term partnership.
Buss recalled a personal connection between the All-NBA guard and the late Kobe Bryant. Bryant’s daughter Gianna was a noted fan of Doncic, and Buss said that memory reinforced her belief the trade would eventually “work out” for all parties.
Lakers leadership shows support abroad
In an effort to make their newest star feel at home, Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka traveled to Poland this summer to watch Doncic represent Slovenia at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Doncic publicly thanked the pair for making the trip, an uncommon gesture by NBA executives during the off-season.
The organization’s outreach appears to have paid dividends. With a fresh contract in hand and the backing of team leadership, Doncic is expected to lead the Lakers into the 2025-26 campaign with his focus firmly on bringing another championship to Los Angeles.
Source: Lakers Nation
