Luka Doncic says last season’s blockbuster trade from Dallas to Los Angeles has given him a clearer path to an NBA title.
Speaking with Slovenia’s SportKlub after a brief appearance in Sunday’s All-Star Game, the All-NBA guard contrasted his former club with his current one. “I think the organization here is better,” Doncic said, calling the Lakers “a truly legendary club.” Los Angeles owns 17 championships, while Dallas reached the 2024 Finals with Doncic but has fallen out of playoff contention in the two seasons since the deal.
Individuals close to the 26-year-old told Dallas Hoops Journal’s Grant Afseth that a return to the Mavericks is highly unlikely. The group cited displeasure over Dallas’ public remarks about Doncic’s conditioning and other justifications for the trade. Doncic remains friendly with some former teammates and with interim co-general manager Matt Riccardi, but has had little interaction with head coach Jason Kidd since the move.
Are the Lakers true contenders?
Their 33-21 record at the break offers mixed signals, The Athletic’s Law Murray reports. Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves have appeared together in only 10 games because of injuries, missing 12, 18 and 26 contests respectively. Despite sitting 12 games over .500, the club carries a negative point differential and has relied on a league-best 15-3 mark in clutch situations to stay near the top of the Western standings.
Ayton briefly detained in Bahamas
Suns center Deandre Ayton was held for a short time Tuesday at a Bahamian airport on suspicion of possessing a small amount of marijuana, Reuters’ Jasper Ward reports. Attorney Devard Francis said investigators determined the minimal quantity was not in Ayton’s luggage, and the former No. 1 pick was released “expeditiously.” The substance was found in another traveler’s bag, according to Francis.
Long-time executive to depart
Tim Harris, president of business operations, informed staff Monday that the 2025-26 campaign will be his final season with the Lakers, Dan Woike of The Athletic tweets. Harris has spent more than 35 years with the franchise and played a key role in securing the lucrative local television agreement with Spectrum SportsNet.
Source: Hoops Rumors
