Luka Dončić admits that the learning of shock trading to Lakers was ‘really hard’ | Luka Dončić

Luka Dončić says he was as shocked as the rest of the basketball world when Dallas Mavericks traded him to Los Angeles Lakers.

Although trade was first reported this weekend, Dončić officially ended Lakers on Tuesday, saying he is already excited about a new chapter with LeBron James and his famous new team.

“(News of trade) was a big shock,” Dončić said. “It was hard moments for me. I had to check if it was (April Fools’ Day) … (but now) I get the game in the biggest club in the world and I’m excited about this new journey. “

Lakers traded Anthony Davis and Max Christie in a three-team agreement to acquire Dončić, who won his first scoring title last season before led Mavs to the NBA final. Dončić, still only 25, is a five-time all-NBA election.

Stars in Dončić’s age and results are almost never traded, but Dallas decided to move on from their franchise star – and Lakers agreed eagerly. Dončić acknowledged he was stunned.

“Honestly, it was difficult at first,” Dončić said. “The first day was really tough. I felt that these last 48 hours were a month. Emotionally it was really hard, but today was much better. I’m just very happy to be here for this opportunity. These are lakers. It’s one of the best clubs in history, so I’m excited to be here. “

Laker’s General Manager Rob Pelinka did not hide his enthusiasm at Landing Dončić when they met with the media on the team’s training complex.

“We have one of the game’s biggest superstars and an international player who will join Lakers,” Pelinka said. “I think it will be something incredibly special that NBA and Basketball have never seen before.”

The deal stunned the sports world and left many Mavs fans furious. Reports about the trade – which indicated that Mavericks was unhappy with Dončic’s commitment to his fitness – annoyed the player’s father, Sasa, who said his son “absolutely did not deserve this.”

Dončić has not played since Christmas because of a veal strain, but he is believed to be close to a return to court. Lakers have four matches in the Los Angeles area for the next seven days, including a road game against Clippers Tuesday night.

Lakers also acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the trade with Dallas.