“It was a big shock… I had to check if it was April 1. I didn’t really believe it.” Just like the entire hoop community, Luka Doncic was caught off guard when Nico Harrison traded him for Anthony Davis. Everyone deemed it a ‘dumb’ move on the Mavs’ part, giving up a generational superstar for an aging one. But Nico’s decision might be beginning to make sense as Doncic has looked like a shell of himself since joining the Lakers. Veteran reporter Nick Wright believes the sudden trade has deeply affected the Slovenian sensation’s psyche.

While Luka is arguably the best scorer in the league today, he has averaged only 14.6 points in his first three games wearing Purple and Gold. Wednesday’s Hornets encounter was particularly concerning as Doncic shot an abysmal one of nine from deep range. Addressing his terrible showing, Wright said on First Things First, “He’s really sad. I watched last night. He was relieved when he made a shot. He is, I think, for the first time in his entire basketball life, had his confidence shaken by being traded and then by what they said about him. And I think he’s deeply in his own head.”

While everyone was left wondering why Nico suddenly traded Luka, the Mavs management indirectly blamed the point guard for it. As per The Athletic, “Privately and publicly, Harrison has said he moved Doncic for Davis because he felt it gave Dallas the best chance at raising the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Harrison believes that Davis is a better cultural fit for what the Mavericks want to build.” Hinting that Doncic was not right for the Mavs’ culture. This criticism and betrayal from his former employers seems to have affected Luka’s confidence, who was initially deemed untouchable in the trade market.

“I’ve never seen Luka like this and I just really think he is shaken by the fact that this team gave up on him. And I think it is impacting him on the court.” Nick added. If that’s the case, it only adds more pressure on the Lakers front office.

Lakers under pressure as pending $229 Million decision will decide Luka Doncic’s LA future

Well, Doncic never asked to be a Laker. He was hit with the move out of nowhere and the shock is still evident in his recent performances. But now the big question is—Will he stay in LA or find a new home? As per veteran insider Brian Windhorst, “The pressure is on the organization between now and August 2 to get Luka to sign that extension. That’s where the pressure is.” Yes, Doncic missed out on a supermax $345 million extension because of the trade and now he is only eligible for a four-year $229 million deal.

But for him to secure it with the Lakers, “he’s gotta see how they build this team around him.” If Nick’s fear is true and Luka is truly sad in his current situation, this is not a good sign for Rob Pelinka and Co. However, Jeanie Buss is trying her best to make Doncic feel at home, as she said in a recent interview, “That’s the kind of person [Luka] is. He wants to win. So, it’s kind of a great marriage, a great match.”

While Luka has not played well recently, it might only be because he is still adjusting to the new environment. And Wright also believes that his sadness is temporary, “I don’t think that’s a permanent disposition and I actually think maybe, on Tuesday when they play the Mavs, maybe that could be a moment to snap out… turn this kind of sadness into anger.” Yes, Tuesday will be the first time Luka faces his former team and it could be the turning point for him. Considering how great Luka is, it’s highly likely that his recent struggles are just a small phase and he will return to being the All-NBA player that he has always been. Do you agree?