Luka Doncic officially joins Los Angeles Lakers

Five-time NBA All-Star Luka Doncic has officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers. In a three-way trade that rocked the league, the world's most sought-after superstar moved from the Dallas Mavericks to the Purple and Gold.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in an official statement: "Luka is a unique young international superstar who will lead the Lakers into the future. His killer instinct and determination to win the championship will be the driving force for the team to move forward."

This blockbuster deal shocked the entire NBA. Suns star Kevin Durant exclaimed: "This is crazy! I never thought Doncic would be traded, especially in the middle of the season. If he can be traded, then anyone in the league can be traded."

Although the Mavericks lost their star player, general manager Nico Harrison believes that the trade brings the team one step closer to the championship.

Harrison said: "I have always believed that defense wins championships. We have got a top defensive center in the league, and he is also an All-Star player, which gives us a greater chance of winning the championship. We have the strength to impact the championship now, and the future is still full of hope."

The Mavericks unfortunately lost in the 2024 Finals. Now they hope that Davis' joining can bring stronger defense and inside dominance to the team.

Although the Lakers' 40-year-old superstar LeBron James is still performing at a high level, it is generally believed that Doncic's joining marks the handover of the Lakers' future core.

Doncic has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game since being traded to the Mavericks in 2018. He has been selected to the All-Star Game for five consecutive seasons and was crowned the scoring champion in 2024, leading the Mavericks to the finals.