It has been a full year since Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Last season, the Dallas Mavericks shocked the basketball world by abruptly trading Dončić to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis. It was a deal that few anticipated.
The move sparked controversy as both stars were reportedly blindsided by the trade. Mavericks fans even threatened former general manager Nico Harrison for what they considered a questionable decision. Fast forward to the present day, Dončić recently shared his thought process when the trade occurred last year.
Luka Dončić is Doing Much Better in LA
Before the trade last season, Dončić was viewed as the next Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas. Nowitzki had a legendary career with the Mavericks, playing all 21 of his seasons with the team. Dončić was expected to follow a similar path.
However, the hopes of Dončić being a Maverick for life ended abruptly when Harrison decided to trade him to the Lakers.
In a recent episode of “Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady,” Dončić reflected on the trade. He described the emotional challenges he faced, but after one year in Los Angeles, he said he feels much better about his situation and is happy to be part of his new team.
“For me, it was terrible,” Dončić said. “I mean, honestly, I thought I was going to be (in Dallas) my whole life. But obviously, things change. It was hard. … But one year after, I feel like I’m in a great place. I live by the beach.”
.@lukadoncic on adjusting to a whole new reality with the @Lakers.
“For me it was terrible I mean honestly I thought I was going to be there my whole life. But obviously things change. … But one year after I feel I’m in a great place. I live by the beach.” pic.twitter.com/Oi2tjFcpOt
— Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady (@VinceAndTmac) February 4, 2026
Dončić has flourished since joining the Lakers. This year, he sits atop the league in scoring, putting up 33.4 points per game, and remains firmly in the MVP conversation. Meanwhile, in Dallas, Anthony Davis — the centerpiece of the deal that sent Dončić to Los Angeles — has already been moved on to the Washington Wizards after a brief stint largely defined by injuries.
The primary obstacle for Dončić at present is the Lakers’ lack of roster depth. Many critics have questioned the team’s defensive shortcomings. While Dončić’s addition has significantly improved the offense, the absence of consistent defense has hurt the Lakers, making them one of the league’s most volatile teams this season.
