By Julia Falcon
Updated on: February 4, 2025 / 12:51 PM CST / CBS Texas
Luka Doncic introductory press conference with the Los Angeles Lakers by CBS TEXAS on YouTube
Former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic made his first appearance with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
Doncic, joined by Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, reiterated several times during an introductory press conference how excited he is to be in Los Angeles for a fresh start.
The Slovenian point guard also revealed he was sleeping when he got the call about being traded – news broke about the trade just before midnight on Feb. 1.
“You had to imagine how surprised I was when I got the call,” Doncic said. “I had to make sure it wasn’t April 1st.”
In a post on social media this week, Doncic said the trade was hard for him to process because he thought he would spend his entire career in Dallas.
Luka Doncic (C) of the Los Angeles Lakers holds his new jersey while standing alongside general manager Rob Pelinka (L) and head coach JJ Redick (R). Getty Images
The trade sent shockwaves through the Dallas fanbase. Doncic didn’t address fan reactions but said he was thankful for those who always supported him.
When asked about the decision to trade him, Doncic said he had no comment. “I don’t know why [they made that decision].”
When is Luka Doncic playing for the Lakers?
It could be a while before fans see Doncic donning purple and gold, according to Pelinka.
Doncic has played only 22 games this season and has yet to return from a strained left calf muscle he sustained during a Christmas Day matchup against the Timberwolves.
“[Doncic’s sports performance team] is working on a schedule for him,” Pelinka said. “Taking it one day at a time to make sure the calf injury is OK. One step at a time. When Luka is good and confident, he will be in a game, soon.”
He said that now is the first time he’s taking the time to let his calf heal. With previous injuries, he wanted to get back on the court “and not play at 100%.”
The centerpiece of the trade that Dallas received in return for Doncic was 31-year-old 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis. The Mavericks also sent reserves Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers, and Los Angeles threw in 21-year-old shooting guard Max Christie and a first-round draft pick for 2029 in the deal. Kleber and Morris were also introduced on Tuesday.
Markieff Morris, Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber of the Los Angeles Lakers hold their new jerseys. Getty Images
“I think it’s good to come to a new place but still know some people,” Doncic said. “Mentally, it will help me.”
Doncic played seven seasons with Dallas, averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 34.9 minutes in 422 games with the team.
Julia FalconJulia Falcon is a digital content producer at CBS News Texas. Julia has previously written for news outlets across Dallas-Fort Worth like the Denton Record-Chronicle, D Magazine, 1080 KRLD and 105.3 The Fan. She covers a span of topics, focusing on sports and trending topics. Every week, Julia produces a show called “Eye on Trending,” where she answers top trending questions.
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