Lakers' Luka Doncic makes trade announcement after playoff letdown

Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts while watching a tribute video before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic wasn’t expected to finish the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Dallas Mavericks fans were fond of the 6-foot-6 Slovenian phenom during his 6.5-year tenure with the organization. 

However, in a ‘defense wins championships’ midseason move, the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis in a controversial Feb. 2 blockbuster deal. 

After the Lakers exited the postseason at the end of April, Doncic made an interesting statement about the league-altering trade.  

“I’m mentally kind of exhausted from everything (specifically, the shocking trade to the Lakers) that happened,” Doncic told reporters last Thursday. “I know a lot of people won’t believe me, but I am. I think now it’s time to process everything.”

“I don’t know what I learned. Like I said, I think now is the time to process everything. Just emotionally, going through it all, looking back. I’ll let you know in the preseason what I learned about myself.”

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When Doncic arrived in Los Angeles, the Lakers were among the most exciting teams to watch. 

The former lottery pick’s majestic playmaking, effortless approach to advantageous isolation scenarios, and ability to regularly cause defensive breakdowns helped Los Angeles find a new level of success. 

The Lakers secured their first 50-win campaign since the 2019-20 season and entered the postseason with the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with Doncic’s offensive assistance.

With little to no frontcourt help, though, Doncic and the Lakers were sent home by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. 

Doncic averaged 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.8% from three alongside LeBron James in the playoffs.

Doncic’s life changed drastically a few months ago, so it’s only right for the ex-Mavericks star to analyze the trade and the aftermath this summer.

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