At this point, it’s really no secret that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic was just as shocked as the rest of us to learn he had been traded away from his presumed forever franchise the Dallas Mavericks.
“In talking to people on Luka Doncic over the last 72 hours … he had no intention ever of leaving Dallas,” NBA insider Shams Charania reiterated during a Tuesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “He had just bought a new home in Dallas for a lofty, lofty price. He did not want to go anywhere. You think of a player coming from abroad, they’re very committed. They’re loyal. And that’s how he viewed himself with the Mavericks. One team, one city, forever.”
But Charania went on to make an interesting point about Doncic’s future in Los Angeles—and it’s a thought that should please most Lakers fans.
Specifically, Charania said he thinks Doncic’s “one team, one city” attitude will “carry over” to the Lakers,” meaning it’s his prediction the 26-year-old will stay there long term.
“I think he’s loving his time in L.A,” Charania continued. “I think he’s loving how the Lakers … you think about what the Lakers’ brand is, it’s treating stars like stars. It’s Hollywood, it’s making the star players bigger than life. And that’s what we’re going to see with Luka Doncic.”
Los Angeles is certainly hoping Doncic will stick around—he’s still young, and the team will need a new face once superstar LeBron James either leaves or retires—so Charania’s read on the situation is definitely a welcome one.
A potential trade sending Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers would send shockwaves through the NBA. As the face of the Mavericks, Dončić has been the heart and soul of the franchise, leading them deep into the playoffs and putting up MVP-level performances year after year. However, frustrations over roster construction and championship contention could push him to seek a new challenge. The Lakers, always in search of a superstar to pair with their existing talent, would undoubtedly make a blockbuster move to land him, reshaping the entire landscape of the Western Conference.
If Dončić were to join the Lakers, he would instantly become the centerpiece of the franchise’s future. Playing alongside LeBron James—if he remains with the team—or Anthony Davis, Dončić’s playmaking and scoring ability would elevate Los Angeles into an elite contender. His high basketball IQ and ability to control the game would fit perfectly in the Lakers’ system, allowing him to take over as the team’s primary offensive weapon. A trade of this magnitude would likely involve multiple first-round picks and key role players heading to Dallas, making it one of the biggest trades in NBA history.
On the court, Dončić has proven to be one of the most dominant offensive forces in the league. Averaging close to a triple-double with elite scoring, rebounding, and passing, he has drawn comparisons to legends like Larry Bird and LeBron James. His ability to hit tough shots, orchestrate the offense, and take over games in clutch moments makes him a nightmare for defenders. Whether it’s his step-back three, crafty finishes in the paint, or pinpoint assists, Dončić’s offensive arsenal is nearly unstoppable, and moving to a big market like Los Angeles could further elevate his status as one of the NBA’s biggest superstars.
A trade to the Lakers wouldn’t just impact Dončić’s career—it would send ripple effects across the league. The Mavericks would have to rebuild without their franchise player, while the Lakers would instantly become favorites for a championship. The pressure of playing in L.A. would be immense, but Dončić has shown time and time again that he thrives under the spotlight. If this trade were to happen, it could mark the beginning of a new NBA dynasty, with Dončić leading the charge in the iconic purple and gold.
