A straight-faced Luka Doncic walked side-by-side next to a smiling Rob Pelinka as they took the podium at the Lakers’ practice facility Tuesday morning, less than 72 hours after one of the biggest trades in sports history sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.

Doncic reflected on the last few days as an emotional roller coaster. “Honestly, it was hard at first. That first day was really hard. I felt like this last 48 hours was one month. So, emotionally, it was really hard. But every day thereafter, like today, was much better. I’m just very happy to be here for this opportunity. This is the Lakers. It’s one of the best clubs in history. So, I’m excited to be here.”

Over that whirlwind period, Doncic not only had to move about 1,500 miles from his previous home, but he also had to reimagine his entire future. “I thought I was going to spend my whole career there, because loyalty is a big word for me and I was trying to stay by that.”

Doncic expressed shock at the trade, which came as a surprise even to him. The deal, initiated in a coffee shop where Mavericks GM Nico Harrison approached Pelinka about Doncic, shook the NBA world.

“Everybody was surprised, so you can imagine how surprised I was. I was almost asleep when I got a call and had to check if it was April first. I didn’t really believe it at first and it was a big shock. It was a hard moment for me. It was home.”

For the Lakers, acquiring Doncic presents a franchise-altering opportunity that could make them contenders for the next decade. Pelinka emphasized that his strategy was to remain calm under pressure, just as a player would during a game.

“Maybe a blitz is coming at Luka; he’s not going to be shocked. He’s going to stay in the moment, figure out the read and make the play. And so when the opportunity came to me, that was my mindset.”

The convergence of Doncic’s skills with a historically significant franchise promises to bring excitement to basketball fans everywhere. Doncic is notably a five-time All-Star and the prior season’s scoring champion. However, the trade left many wondering how the Mavericks could part ways with such a tremendous talent.

As Doncic settles into his new role, LeBron James reached out to welcome him and share insights on the journey ahead. “I understand what you’re feeling,” James communicated to Doncic, who responded, “It’s just like a dream come true. I always look up to him. There are so many things I could learn from him.”

Despite still recovering from a minor injury, Doncic’s arrival is heralded as a transformative moment for the Lakers, who are actively seeking further enhancements for their roster.