Luka Dončić about Damage Status, Shock at Laker’s Trade: ‘I had to check if it was April 1’

El Segundo, California-Luka Dončić said he was as shocked as the rest of the sports world when he found out that Dallas Mavericks had traded him for Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster three-team deal on Saturday.

“Everyone was surprised so you can imagine how surprised I was,” Dončić said at his initial news conference at Laker’s Practice Facility Tuesday. “I almost slept, so when I got a call, I had to check if it was April 1st. I didn’t really believe it first and it was a big shock. It was a tough moment for me. It was home. … (but) I get the game in the biggest club in the world. And I’m excited about this new journey. “

Laker’s Vice President of Basketball Operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said it is a 25-year event in NBA history to combine Dončić, a 25-year-old generation and global superstar, with Lakers, one of the most famous sports franchises in the world. . “

“I think it will be something incredibly special that NBA and Basketball have never seen before,” Pelinka said.

Dončić asked countless questions about the criticism he received from Dallas in the wake of trade. He said he is taking “High Road”, thanking his former teammates and colleagues in the Mavericks organization.

When Dončić specifically asked about Maverick’s general manager Nico Harrison’s decision and public comments, Dončić refused to join a back and forth.

“It’s their decision, so I have no comment on it,” Dončić said. “They made a decision. I don’t know why. But that’s their decision, so I can’t do anything about it. “

Dončić also closed speculation that negotiations on his potential super-max extension in Dallas caused the organization to trade him.

“Definitely not,” Dončić said. “Easy answer.”

Later, he added that he “obviously” has something to prove in Los Angeles and is motivated by the criticism of his conditioning and durability.

“Win a championship,” Pelinka chimdered under the weather.

“That’s it,” Dončić said. “Win a championship. You don’t come here for nothing but championships. So I have everything left to prove. And the goal is to win a championship. “

Dončić, who has spoken glowing about LeBron James over the years – with reference to him as his “idol” and modeling his game after him – said James called him immediately after the trade to welcome him to Los Angeles and Lakers.

“It’s like a dream come true,” Dončić said. “I always look up to him. There are so many things I could learn from him. And I’m just excited, just to learn everything and now I get to play with him. So it’s a great feeling. “

As for how Dončić and 40-year-old James fit together-they are the only two players in the NBA story for average 27-plus points, seven-plus rebounds and seven-plus assists for their career-doncic are excited about opportunities The two can create with their extraordinary passing abilities.

“I think we both make our teammates better,” Dončić said. “I think our IQ is very tall. So I think it will help everyone. “

Dončić played cards with Lakers coach JJ Redick at the end of Redick’s career in Dallas during the 2020-21 season. They have since maintained a friendship where Dončić twice appears on Redick’s “Old Man & The Three” podcast.

“First of all, he couldn’t move at all,” Dončić said with a smirk. “No, but it was a good relationship. I really respect him. You can’t see me going on podcasts. I went on his podcast twice. So you know how much respect I have for him. So I’m really excited that I can play for him. “

Dončić, who has been sidelined with a calf injury since around Christmas, is on a return-to-play program, but should soon be back, according to Pelinka. Dončić will investigate Lakers Wednesday to decide how close he is to returning.

Pelinka said Lakers has an urgent character to improve the schedule before the trade deadline for February 6 and try to add a starting caliber center around Dončić and James. Pelinka said he and Dončić spent time in his office Monday crossing the schedule and what movements could be made in the short and long term.

“We know our list has continued to work to be complete,” Pelinka said. “And just to be clear about the vision of our list, we need to build a list that suits JJ Redick’s philosophy, his basketball philosophy. … We know we have a need for a big one. The market too big right now leading into the last two or three days of the trade deadline is very dry. There just isn’t much available. So maybe we can do some things about the margins. I would say, as for a big step for that position, it is probably more realistic that would be something that comes in high season. “

As for the skills and qualities that Lakers is looking for in such a player, Pelinka said they are trying to find a player that fits Dončić’s favorite game style.

“Versatility, mobility, a vertical lob threat, I think it’s a key to the distance Luka likes to play,” said Pelinka. “Competitive. I think these are some of the central things there. These players are hard to find. But we perform the task that is ahead of us. We’ll find a way. “

Whatever moves, as Lakers does the rest of this week and beyond, they have a clear plan that goes on when they build around Dončić for what both sides hope will be a fruitful decade-long partnership.

“It’s a gift,” Pelinka said. “We are talking about a 25-year-old who is a top-three player in the universe. I can’t think of a more amazing starting point for building a list of the next decade. And I know he has driven to win as we have here. Our fans will see it every night on the field. I know here that he may seem calm and relaxed and quiet, but we know that the altar ego is coming out. And we’ll see it soon at Crypto.com (Arena) and I can’t wait for it. “

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(Photo: Adam Pantozzi / Getty Images)