The Early Days of a New Partnership
Several weeks after the shocking deal that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, team owner Jeanie Buss couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing her new star blend seamlessly with LeBron James in the early days of their partnership is a clear indication that the trade is off to a promising start. "I think it’s working," Buss said with a smile, reflecting on the initial success of the move. Dončić and the Lakers will face off against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, marking their first meeting since the trade. However, Anthony Davis, who went to the Mavericks in exchange for Dončić, won’t be present due to a groin injury. Buss shared her thoughts on the trade during an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," emphasizing the smooth transition and the positive signs the team is seeing from their new star.
A Quiet and Strategic Trade
The trade discussions that led to Dončić’s move to the Lakers were handled with utmost discretion. Buss and her team were determined to keep the talks secret to avoid any disruptions to the team’s focus and morale. "The conversation started a couple weeks before the trade was executed," Buss explained. "We did not want any part of it to leak out, because it’s very disruptive to a team that’s trying to focus on getting better." The Lakers were initially reluctant to part with Anthony Davis, who Buss described as a "rock solid player," but the potential benefits of acquiring Dončić were too significant to ignore. Each step of the negotiations was meticulously planned and kept under wraps, ensuring that both sides could reach a comfortable agreement without any leaks affecting the process.
Luka’s Impact on the Lakers
Since joining the Lakers, Dončić has quickly made his presence felt on the court. In his first four games with the team, he has averaged 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, showcasing his all-around skill set. His performance in the Lakers’ 123-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, where he put up 32 points, was particularly impressive. The Lakers, now with a 34-21 record, are solidly in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. Buss is thrilled with the progress Dončić has made and the positive contributions he’s bringing to the team. She explained that the Lakers are committed to making his transition as smooth as possible, knowing that a happy and comfortable player is more likely to perform at his best.
Respecting the Legacy
One of the most poignant aspects of Dončić joining the Lakers is the connection to the late Kobe Bryant. Buss recalled that the last time she actually saw Bryant alive was about a month before his tragic passing in a helicopter crash in 2020. Bryant had brought his daughter, Gigi, to a Lakers game specifically to watch Dončić play, as Gigi was a big fan of the young Slovenian star. "Luka being a Laker now, I know how happy that would make Kobe and Gigi," Buss said, her voice tinged with emotion. The relationship between Bryant and Dončić was significant, and Buss believes that the spirit of that mentorship continues within the Lakers’ organization. Dončić’s immediate appreciation for the Lakers and his fond memories of Bryant suggest a deep connection to the team’s legacy.
Dončić’s Tribute
When Dončić met with Buss post-trade, one of the first things he mentioned was his wish that Kobe Bryant could still be around to see him play for the Lakers. "That was like a very important relationship. Kobe really took him under his wing and was supportive of him," Buss noted. Dončić’s admiration for Bryant is well-known, and his desire to honor that relationship by joining the Lakers adds an extra layer of significance to the trade. Buss and the Lakers are keen to create an environment where Dončić can thrive, both on and off the court, and she believes that the team’s commitment to excellence and support can help fulfill that wish in some way.
Looking Forward
As the Lakers prepare for their upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks, Buss is optimistic about the future. The team’s current standing in the Western Conference is a testament to the potential of this new lineup. Dončić’s chemistry with LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers’ players is evident, and the organization is confident that this trade will pay dividends in the long run. Buss’s commitment to maintaining a tight-lipped approach during trade negotiations and her focus on making Dončić feel at home highlight the careful and thoughtful management style that has become a hallmark of the Lakers’ front office. The early signs are positive, and Buss is excited to see what the future holds for this new chapter in Lakers history.
