The Mavericks shocked the league by buying and selling franchise star Luka Doncic to the Lakers in February 2025.
Dallas reportedly ran a smear marketing campaign to justify the surprising blockbuster deal, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick. Reports about Doncic’s weight, work ethic and other slanders surfaced about the celebrity upon his arrival to Los Angeles.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers seems to be on during the sport against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena. NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers have profited drastically from the commerce as Doncic has kicked off a new period for the storied franchise.
Doncic has labored extremely onerous to negate any of the hypothesis surrounding his tenure in Dallas, including his weight. He has remodeled his physique, sporting the cowl of Men’s Health with a new-and-improved kind.
This season, Doncic has a lot to show to Lakers followers and to the relaxation of the league.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the sport against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena. NBAE via Getty Images
Former Dallas Mavericks basic supervisor Nico Harrison seems to be on before the sport against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie’s Arena. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
NBA basic managers voted anonymously in a survey predicting the league’s Most Valuable Player. Doncic obtained zero votes for the prestigious award, a signal that while he is extraordinarily gifted his greatness has not too long ago been ignored by many.
If Doncic can proceed competing how he did on Opening Night against the Warriors, the Lakers have a likelihood of rising as a prime contender in a loaded Western Conference. The Lakers celebrity has made his intentions extraordinarily clear, penning a heartfelt letter to the metropolis of LA forward of the season opener.
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