Luka Doncic described his February commerce from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers as stunning and disorienting, admitting he struggled with how to reply to leaving his basketball residence. The five-time first-team All-NBA star spoke candidly in regards to the emotional influence of the blockbuster deal that despatched him to Los Angeles in alternate for Anthony Davis. Doncic had spent his whole NBA profession with the Mavericks since being drafted in 2018. Doncic had just lately closed on his dream home within the Dallas space and anticipated to signal a supermax extension with the Mavericks in the course of the offseason.
Doncic revealed the psychological challenges of adjusting to his new actuality after the surprising transfer. The Slovenian guard had thought-about Dallas his skilled residence and maintained robust relationships with followers and teammates.
“I did not know the best way to react, the best way to act, what to say,” Doncic stated in a latest interview. “It was a number of shock. I felt Dallas was my residence. I had many mates there. The followers at all times supported me.”
The 26-year-old expressed concern about disappointing supporters from each organizations in the course of the transition interval. Doncic acknowledged the fragile steadiness of displaying respect to his former group whereas embracing his new alternative.
“I did not wish to upset Dallas followers. And I did not wish to upset Laker followers,” Doncic defined.
The shock of the commerce turned even larger than Doncic.
“Everybody was speaking about it,” Doncic stated. “Even now, they nonetheless speak about it.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the commerce as a major profession problem for Doncic. Silver famous the participant’s sincere response somewhat than providing diplomatic responses about becoming a member of Los Angeles.
“Placing apart the deserves of the commerce, you might argue that it was a little bit of a kick within the ass to Luka,” Silver stated. “He did not attempt to sugarcoat this commerce.”
The commerce marked Doncic’s first main skilled setback after a meteoric rise by way of European basketball and NBA stardom.
“A contemporary begin,” stated Doncic.
