Luka Doncic’s loyalty to the Dallas Mavericks was unquestionable.

Luka Doncic (Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
Since joining the team in 2018, he has dedicated himself fully to bringing an NBA championship to the franchise. However, his seven-and-a-half-year tenure with the Mavericks came to an abrupt end when the team unexpectedly traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

Despite the shocking move, Doncic has already embraced his new reality with the Lakers. NBA insider Shams Charania recently shared insight into Doncic’s mindset on The Pat McAfee Show, sharing that his loyalty remains intact, even with a new team.

“I know in talking to people around Luka Doncic over the past 72 hours, I was at that Lakers-Clippers game on Sunday; he had no intention of ever leaving Dallas. He had just bought a new home in Dallas for a lofty, lofty price. He did not want to go anywhere,” Charania said.

Before his trade, there were no indications that Doncic wanted to leave. However, instead of dwelling on the past, he has quickly embraced the Lakers and everything that comes with playing in Los Angeles.

Luka Doncic’s International Background Influenced His Loyalty To The Mavericks

Before the trade, Luka Doncic’s commitment to the Mavericks was clear. The Slovenian player envisioned a future where he would spend his entire career in Dallas, something that is rare in today’s NBA. Charania noted that Doncic’s international background played a role in his mindset.

“You think of a player coming from abroad. They are very committed. They are loyal. That’s how he viewed himself with the Mavericks. One team, one city, forever. I think that’s going to carry over to the Lakers. I think he’s loving his time in L.A.,” Charania added.

So far, Doncic has played eight games in the Lakers uniform, averaging 22.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Fans in L.A. are already seeing why the 26-year-old star was so beloved in Dallas as he continues to shine on the court.