Luka Reveals His Reaction After Trade to Lakers
In a new interview with Malika Andrews, Luka Dončić opened up about the blockbuster trade that sent him from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers — a move that stunned the NBA world and is already being called one of the most shocking trades in modern sports history.
Luka’s Frustration
The interview opens with Luka revealing his immediate reaction: throwing his phone in frustration. It was a raw moment from a player who had spent years as the face of the Mavericks. While he didn’t say it outright, it’s clear Luka gave everything to that franchise and envisioned staying there for the rest of his career.
This was a “where were you when” moment — the kind of deal that shifts the league’s balance of power overnight. Now, for the first time in his career, Luka will enter the playoffs with home-court advantage — this time, as a Laker.
Luka Doncic tells @malika_andrews about throwing his phone and breaking it when he found out he got traded to the Lakers 😳
— ESPN (@espn) April 18, 2025
“My heart was broken honestly.” 💔 pic.twitter.com/rfsIGlOaBC
It’s only human to relive the last time the Timberwolves faced Luka — a game where he obliterated their defense, forcing Rudy Gobert, a former Defensive Player of the Year, to the bench. That kind of dominance is exactly what the Lakers hope to see in their opening series.
Malika asked him about the criticism that followed his exit — critiques about his leadership, off-court demeanor, and even his conditioning. Luka shrugged most of it off, saying he wants to “focus on [his] journey” and didn’t pay much attention to the outside noise.
He also responded to Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s post-trade comment that “defense wins championships.” Luka didn’t hold back: “Sad, the way he’s talking,” he said, expressing frustration over what he sees as a foolish decision to let go of a generational talent.
When asked if he had planned to stay in Dallas long-term, Luka answered simply: “Of course.” But now, his loyalty is shifting. He made it clear — “I want to be a Laker.”
Luka and the Lakers will begin their playoff run tomorrow against the Timberwolves, with the spotlight firmly on their newest star.
