Lakers officially move into Luka Dončić era after ‘seismic’ trade
At Luka Dončić’s introductory press conference, it became crystal clear just how big this moment is in Lakers history.
LOS ANGELES - Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, a new era of Lakers basketball began as the franchise introduced Luka Dončić to the world.
The press conference, held at the Lakers’ practice facility, was packed to the gills. Every major publication, news outlet and media member was in attendance. Catering was available and Miles Davis music played in the background.
It was an environment that starkly contrasted with how the Mavericks discussed the trade that sent Luka to L.A. and Anthony Davis to Dallas.
In that media availability, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison explained how this move helped them win now while current head coach Jason Kidd sat beside him, straight-faced and staring at the floor.
Not even a Dallas Mavericks backdrop was present to support Harrison while his jokes regarding the move didn’t land and his answers to questions led to more shock and confusion from fans and media alike.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, when vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka walked in with Luka and sat down, his opening statement made it clear just how monumental this moment was for this franchise and the basketball world at large.
“I think Luka Dončić joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history,” Pelinka said. “The reason I say that is because we have a 25-year-old global superstar that’s going to get on the stage of the most popular, influential basketball brand on the globe. I think when those two powerful forces come together, it brings basketball joy to the world. Because that’s how Luka plays, he plays with joy.
“If you think about kids in Barcelona or kids in Buenos Aires or children in Shanghai or Sydney, they’re going to be wearing a No. 77 Luka Dončić Lakers jersey and bringing joy to basketball just like he does, and that’s why it’s powerful…Now we have one of the game’s biggest superstars, an international player, coming to join the Lakers, it’s a convergence of all those forces and I think it’s going to be something incredibly special that the NBA and basketball has never seen before.”
The cultural impact Dončić has married with the glamor and glitz of Los Angeles is enticing. For those concerned about TV ratings and who will be the next big star in the NBA with LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant all elder statesmen in the game, Luka Magic live from Los Angeles certainly appears to be box office.
However, this isn’t a marketing ploy or a desire to simply do a trade that garners attention.
At 25 years old, Dončić already has a Hall of Fame resume. He has career averages of 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, is a five-time All-NBA first-team player, and, just last year, made his first NBA Finals appearance, losing to the Boston Celtics in five games.
Joining a historic franchise that’s achieved what he dreams of doing 17 times, Luka is aware of the standard in Los Angeles.
“You don’t come for nothing else but championships,” Dončić said. “I have everything left to prove and the goal is to win a championship.”
Everyone in the NBA is still feeling the whiplash effect of such a shocking trade that happened without any build-up or indication that it was in the works, Luka included.
“I thought I was going to spend my whole career [in Dallas] because I think loyalty is a big word for me and I was trying to stay by that,” Dončić said. “But this, for me, is a fresh start. I get to play in LA. The fans are amazing and I got the ocean here. It’s a really big thing for me. But really, I’m really excited to be here. I get to play for the Lakers.
“Not everybody can say that and many, many legends have passed through here, many, many championships, so that’s my goal.”
Loyalty is an interesting word choice from Dončić. The phrase “Loyalty Never Fades” is etched onto the statue of Dallas legend Dirk Nowitzki outside the Mavericks arena. When the time came to be loyal to Luka or make a business decision, his loyalty towards the franchise wasn’t reciprocated. The Mavs and Lakers will forever be linked by that decision.
Now, a new era begins in L.A.
At 25 years young, the Lakers are banking on Luka long-term in a way the Mavericks would not.
It’s a seismic move that will almost certainly define not just the future of the Lakers, but the league as a whole.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.