It’s now been a little over a week since the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Doncic had been the face of the organization from Day 1. More than that, he’s a showman with otherworldly skills, allowing him to instantly ingratiate himself with the Mavericks fan base.
During All-Star Weekend, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was asked his thoughts about the Mavs-Lakers trade. This is in part because of the sheer magnitude of the transaction. It’s partly due to his recent playoff battles against L.A., as he and the Nuggets appear to be the Lakers’ kryptonite. Lastly, it’s because Jokic has a strong relationship with Doncic.
Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Surprises With Luka Doncic Trade Answer
That being said, his answer was surprising.
“I think both teams win,” Jokic says.
Nikola Jokic on the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers. “I think both teams win.”
Went on to say that he feels that a trade of that magnitude may force other players to take it all more seriously. pic.twitter.com/3eRv7Bbpw1
— Duvalier Johnson (@DuvalierJohnson) February 15, 2025
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“I think that Luka is a generational player; a generational talent…” he adds, in defense of his friend. “He was building something there (in Dallas).”
Though noting that Doncic getting traded may make players take their responsibilities more seriously, he didn’t touch on the notion that Doncic’s conditioning and work ethic were factors in him being traded. However, when asked what’s gone into him having a career season, Jokic had another illuminating answer.
“Staying in shape is the first thing,” he says.
Nikola Jokic on what’s gone into him having the best season of his career:
“Staying in shape is the first thing.” pic.twitter.com/5uRDJj5219
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 15, 2025
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It’s unlikely that Jokic gave his full thoughts on the trade. Nonetheless, given his reputation, he probably was as honest as he felt he could or should be. With that in mind, if a three-time MVP can see both sides of the trade, others might fall in line.
Luka Doncic to the Nuggets?
Los Angeles will now get a taste of what Dallas had with Doncic. Well, eventually.
Through his first two games as a Laker, the five-time All-Star hasn’t looked like himself. Since coming back from a calf injury, he’s averaging 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. His production might be excused since he’s only played 23.5 minutes per game. However, he’s shooting 40.7 percent from the field, 26.7 percent from three, and 50.0 percent from the free-throw line.
Yet, there’s a good reason to believe Doncic will turn the corner sooner rather than later. As he wasn’t selected as an All-Star this season, he’ll get a little more time to rest his calf. It stands to reason that the closer he gets to being at full health, he’ll be better. That goes for just about any player, but it’s definitely true for a perennial MVP candidate.
Still, the Lakers might have a problem this offseason. Though the plan is likely to convince Doncic to sign an extension, it’s possible that he’ll prefer to play alongside Jokic. As much as he respects Kobe Bryant‘s legacy and LeBron James‘s greatness, Jokic treats him like family. The Serbian center is also still in the prime of his career while James is eyeing retirement.
Frankly, if the money is equal, the only reason Doncic would stay with the Lakers is because he’s been enchanted by the franchise lore.
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