One year ago, Luka Dončić was the face of the Dallas Mavericks - a franchise cornerstone who had just led the team to the NBA Finals in 2024. Today, he’s the engine of a Los Angeles Lakers squad that’s finding its rhythm in the Western Conference playoff race. A lot can change in a year, and for Dončić, that change came fast and unexpectedly.
Speaking recently with Hall of Famers Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, Dončić opened up about the emotional rollercoaster that came with the blockbuster trade that sent him to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas - a move that stunned the league at the time. “For me, it was terrible,” Dončić admitted.
“I mean honestly I thought I was going to be there my whole life. But obviously things change.
So, it was hard like [the] first month. I mean it's a lot to get in.
But one year after I feel I'm in a great place. I live by the beach.
Luka Doncic on adjusting to his new surroundings after the Mavs traded him to the Lakers last year:
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 4, 2026
"For me, it was terrible. I mean honestly I thought I was going to be there my whole life. But obviously things change. So, it was hard like [the] first month. I mean it's a lot… pic.twitter.com/TNp5Reht8i
It's good.”
That vulnerability is rare from a superstar, but it speaks to just how jarring the transition was. Dončić had spent his entire NBA career with the Mavericks, growing into an MVP-caliber player and carrying the franchise deep into the postseason. So when the trade went down, it wasn’t just a roster shakeup - it was a seismic shift in identity, both for Dončić and the Mavericks.
Fast forward to today, and it’s clear Dončić has found his footing in L.A. Not only is he putting up some of the best numbers of his career - 33.4 points on 47.5% shooting, 8.7 assists, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game - he’s also leading a Lakers team that’s 30-19 through 49 games. That’s not just impressive; it’s a testament to how quickly he’s adapted to a new system, new teammates, and the bright lights of Los Angeles.
And Dončić isn’t just padding stats - he’s setting the tone. After a recent 112-100 loss to the New York Knicks, in which he posted 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, Dončić spoke candidly about where the team stands.
“I think we're in a good spot,” he said. “Obviously, got some work to do.
… Today, we obviously missed a lot of good looks, but I think we have a great group.”
That blend of accountability and optimism is exactly what you want from your franchise player. Dončić knows the Lakers aren’t a finished product, but he believes in the group around him - and that belief is starting to translate on the court. After a convincing 125-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, the Lakers have now won four of their last six games, showing signs of a team beginning to gel at the right time.
As for the Mavericks, their post-Dončić era took another turn this week with Anthony Davis being traded to the Washington Wizards, marking a short-lived stint in Dallas for the All-Star big man. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can evolve in the NBA - and how rare it is for even the most established stars to stay in one place forever.
For Dončić, the move to L.A. may have started with heartbreak, but it’s quickly turned into a new chapter full of promise. And if his current level of play is any indication, this chapter could be just as memorable as the last.