Luka Doncic's sudden transfer from the Mavericks to the Lakers left the NBA world stunned. Since Doncic was an integral part of the Mavs, one could not have seen a trade of the sort happening. Even Luka was left surprised by the development of the trade as he intended to stay at the franchise till the end of his career. However, as the show must go on, the Slovenian superstar has landed in Los Angeles and on Tuesday afternoon the Lakers officially tagged Doncic as a member of the team. After the formalities, the 25-year-old addressed the media and brought to light a wish that could never be fulfilled.
Luka Doncic Reveals Only Wish After Officially Joining Lakers
In the much-anticipated presser following the shock trade, Luka Doncic expressed excitement ahead of starting the new chapter of his career with the Lakers. He wished that the occasion would have been complete had idol Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi were alive and present to witness him don the purple and gold jersey of the LA Lakers.
“I wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this moment.”
Despite making it to the NBA two years after Bryant's retirement, Doncic shared a close relationship with the NBA legend. Bryant was an admirer of Doncic's game and was always present to lay down a helping hand for the former Maverick. Their relationship gave fans some heartfelt moments to cheer and remember for ages.
Also Read | Nuggets Star Center Nikola Jokic Reveals How Luka Doncic Reacted to Being Traded by the Mavericks
When Will Luka Doncic Make His Lakers Debut?
A week ago, if someone had predicted that soon the Dallas Mavericks would trade their talisman Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers and get Anthony Davis in return in a three-team deal which would also involve the Utah Jazz, one would have described the act as delusional. However, it is what it is and the hard-hitting reality has left the Mavs fans in total dismay, compelling them to call Doncic's exit as an end of an era for the franchise. For the Lakers, a fresh lot of possibilities are in the offing as the world will soon witness the new partnership forming between Luka and NBA legend LeBron James.
Luka Doncic is currently recovering from a calf injury that he suffered on the Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has been nursing his wound and did not play a single minute till now in 2025. According to reports he has almost recovered and will debut as a Laker soon. As per ESPN's Shams Charania, Luka Doncic is expected to make his Lakers debut this Saturday, February 8 against the Pacers.