Luka Dončić’s shocking trade just over a month ago still feels like a midseason fever dream of the NBA season. But with Dončić’s new team, the Los Angeles Lakers, surging to the top of the Western Conference, no one can deny the reality.
While Dončić initially struggled to adjust, there’s no doubt the 26-year-old has found his footing in Los Angeles — reportedly both on and off the court.
Luka Dončić Is the New Kid on the Block
Shams Charania of ESPN reported Saturday that Dončić has recently moved into a leased home in Los Angeles.
Reporting for ABC NBA Countdown – Luka Doncic’s growing comfort in Los Angeles on the court, off the court, and moving into a leased home just a few days ago: pic.twitter.com/T7J1nQVV3k
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 9, 2025
Dončić was open about how difficult the trade was for him. In a statement following the move, the former Maverick expressed how badly he had wanted to bring Dallas a championship.
“I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.”
#MFFL pic.twitter.com/qVMcV2uh5m
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) February 2, 2025
Now, the five-time NBA All-Star has a new home in Los Angeles, joining 21-time NBA All-Star LeBron James. James, already in the midst of an unprecedented season for a 40-year-old, has reached another level with the addition of Dončić. The Lakers are 9-2 since acquiring Dončić, ranking second in the NBA in defensive rating over that span.
The addition of Dončić has breathed new life into a Lakers team that had been largely unremarkable outside of its oldest player. James was one of the only consistent bright spots for the team — something that seemed unsustainable given his age and the intense competition in the Western Conference.
Now, the King has been gifted a new Knight.
Dončić is the perfect complement to an aging LeBron. While both are ball-dominant playmakers — typically seen as a clash in an offensive system — that very dynamic has made the duo work so well. James can now conserve energy by playing off-ball when needed, allowing Dončić to take control. With the two taking turns leading the charge, defenses have struggled to adjust.
Dončić is on a Hall of Fame trajectory, destined for a career filled with records and accolades. But after the unexpected trade, the newest Laker is chasing something that once seemed impossible — winning an NBA championship alongside James.