The NBA world was shook when Luka Dončić, one of the best players in the league, was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers just two months ago. Lakers fans were stoked to get a new superstar to pair with LeBron James, while Mavericks fans were devastated to lose their franchise player. In a recent interview with ESPN, Dončić opened up about his initial reaction to the trade – and it’s clear it hit him hard.
“Is It April 1st?” – Dončić’s Jaw Dropping First Response
Dončić told the story of when he found out about the trade, describing how it felt surreal and painful.
“I was in bed, my TV wasn’t working so I was on an iPad watching a movie about to go to sleep,” Dončić said. “The first thing I said probably three times was, ‘is it April 1st?’… I was sad mostly, I was still in shock. I felt like my heart was broken, honestly.”
So overwhelmed with emotions, Dončić said he threw his phone across the room after getting the call. The trade came as a total surprise to him, especially since he was so connected to the Mavericks organization and the city of Dallas.
A Bittersweet Return to Dallas
Dončić played for his former team for the first time last week, and emotions were running high. Before the game, they played a tribute video to Dončić since he was drafted in 2018. Watching the video made him cry, but once the game started, he channeled those emotions into dominance on the court and scored 45 points against his old team.
“That was closure for me,” Dončić said. “But now it’s time to move on.”
Mavericks’ Public Criticism Fires Up Controversy
Since the trade, reports have surfaced that the Mavericks were unhappy with certain aspects of Dončić’s game and lifestyle. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has repeatedly said defense was the reason for trading Dončić, saying “Defense wins championships.” Harrison also wasn’t sure if Dončić would sign the supermax extension he was eligible for this summer.
Dončić is frustrated with those comments.
“It’s sad, the way he’s talking right now,” Dončić said about Harrison. “I never say anything bad about him and I just want to move on. The fans, my ex-teammates will always keep it real, but it’s time for me to move on from that.”
Dončić confirmed at his Lakers intro press conference that he was going to sign the supermax extension before the trade. No player in NBA history has turned down a supermax deal so Harrison’s comments seem questionable at best.
Dončić’s Loyalty to Dallas—and His Future in LA
Despite the fallout from the trade, Dončić is adamant he had no plans to leave Dallas voluntarily. When asked if he would spend his whole career with the Mavericks he said without hesitation:
“Of course, that’s an easy question.”
Now Dončić is focused on building a new legacy with the Lakers. When asked if he wants to stay in LA long term he said simply: “Yes.”
Why This Trade Matters for Both Teams
For the Lakers, this is a big move to secure the future of the franchise. At 25 years old, Dončić brings unmatched talent and star power to a roster that already has LeBron James. For the Mavericks they are left dealing with the aftermath of losing their cornerstone player—a decision that’s still dividing fans and analysts.