One of the most dramatic moments to shake the NBA came with Luka Doncic’s blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, ending his run with the Dallas Mavericks. The move sparked massive debate across the league and left fans and analysts questioning some of the behind-the-scenes decisions that led to the deal.
Doncic was reportedly devastated when he learned about the trade, even smashing his phone upon hearing the news. Still, in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Doncic revealed that he managed to make one phone call despite the phone being broken—just so he could speak to his father, Sasa Doncic.
“I called my father,” Doncic said. “He was still in shock, but he told me, ‘Embrace the moment.‘” Doncic has always shared a close bond with his father, which stands in contrast to the rocky relationship he has had with his mother, Mirjam Poterbin. The star guard has repeatedly credited his father as a major influence on his basketball journey.
“My father played, so after him, I figured out basketball was my way. I tried a lot of different sports, but I wasn’t very good at any of them. Basketball was the one thing that clicked, and I was even a ball boy. That’s how I fell in love with the game,” Doncic said during the Wall Street Journal interview.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The impact of Doncic on the Lakers
Even with some critics pointing to his playoff shortcomings, Doncic’s impact on the Lakers has been undeniable. He hit the ground running, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists while shooting 37.9% from three in 28 regular-season games.
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As the Lakers prepare for the new season, Doncic is embracing the challenge head-on. Often criticized in the past for showing up out of shape, he has undergone a dramatic physical transformation and is now impressing fans with his performances at EuroBasket.
The spotlight has never been brighter for Doncic as he gets ready to lead the most storied franchise in NBA history. The pressure of Los Angeles basketball is unlike anything else, but Doncic seems ready to rise to the occasion.
Playing alongside and learning from LeBron James, Luka Doncic has the chance to cement his legacy as one of the faces of the league and Lakers for years to come.
