The Stunning Trade That Shook The NBA: Nikola Jokic Speaks Up About Luka Doncic Lakers Trade

In an unexpected turn of events, it was recently announced that the Dallas Mavericks have traded their All-Star point guard, Luka Doncic, to the LA Lakers. It did not just shock the league and the fans, but even the player himself, who had no prior knowledge that there were even discussions happening about a trade. And fellow international player, Nikola Jokic has something to say about this.

In a hush-hush deal that has the NBA in an upheaval, the Dallas Mavericks agreed to trade Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers for 10-time All-Star and power forward Anthony Davis, Max Christie and the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2029. There wasn't even any communication with Dončić’s agent, Bill Duffy, about the trade, as they didn't want anything to be public before the deal materialized.

“There’s some unique things about his contract that we had to pay attention to. There’s other teams that were loading up (to acquire him as a free agent). He was going to have to make his own decision at some point of whether he wants to be here or not, whether we want to supermax him or not, or whether he wants to opt out. So I think we have to take all that in consideration and feel like we got out in front of what could have been a tumultuous year.”
Now that the deal is officially a go, the Slovenian basketball player officially belongs to the Lakers. And his friend in the league has expressed his views on the matter.
Nikola Jokic talks about the latest trade between the Mavericks and the Lakers
Nikola Jokic is yet another international star who has been a star of the NBA league, just like Luka Dončić. The Denver Nuggets center recently revealed that after the trade news went public, he texted his friend about it, saying:

"I text him. He felt it, of course. I think he didn't expect it, of course. I think he just needs to be with family right now, it's a big move. It's a business, I don't know. I think nobody expected it, especially him. I think nobody is safe in the league. But I think he's going to do a good job. I think he's the player for a big scene, even though I thought in Dallas he had something special going."
Jokic, like many others, was surprised about this trade-off news and, of course, wanted to check on Dončić. Getting traded without any prior notice, without the player or their agent sitting in on the discussion, is almost unheard of in today's time. Especially when it's about a player of Dončić's caliber.

After the deal went public, the newest Lakers player took to his socials to leave a message for the Mavs fans. He thanked them for being by his side all this time and called Dallas, as well as the fans, special.
Also Read: "This is my dream": Giannis Antetokounmpo sees his wish come true with Luka Doncic’s trade to the Lakers