JJ Redick coined the LA fire aftermath in the most perfect way possible. “I’m living in a hotel right now man. I could care less what other teams are doing,” the Lakers coach recently said when asked about the ruckus created in Dallas following the Luka Doncic trade. Like Redick, many have lost homes, lives, and everything they have. While the trade is providing a much-needed distraction to the city, the financial fallout of the wildfires cannot be ignored. With almost $275 billion worth of property damage, the city needs every help it can get. So the time was perfect for its latest friendly neighborhood Luka to step up, and surely he did.

The new Lakers star is donating $500,000 via his foundation to aid the relief efforts in the city. “It’s been so sad to see and learn more about the damage from the wildfires since I landed in LA. I can’t believe it and I feel for all the kids who lost their homes, schools and the places where they used to play with their friends. Today, my foundation is donating $500,000 to immediate recovery efforts. I am also committed to helping rebuild courts, playgrounds and fields that were destroyed, because every kid needs a safe place to play. To everyone affected by these fires: we’re here to help, now and for the long haul. Your new neighbor,” the Luka Doncic Foundation’s official announcement read.

Previously, the NBA and the NBA PA donated $1 million to help the rebuilding causes. Former Laker, Anthony Davis also extended his support with a $20,000 donation to Lakers videographer, Rohan Ali’s GoFundMe page. The testing times have helped the city come together and as part of it, Doncic did what he had to, endearing himself to LA even more. This comes after his financial loss due to the trade, further proving why he’s the people’s superstar.

Luka Doncic makes bold promises to LA despite financial setback

Luka Doncic loved Dallas and the city loved him back. To leave a permanent mark of his affection and gratitude to Dallas, the Slovenian kick-started his Luka Doncic Foundation in December 2024. The foundation’s aim is to create opportunities for young athletes, improve access to youth basketball, release research on youth basketball, and establish a Youth Sports Leadership Council, according to the org’s official website. Now that his abode has changed, Doncic is bestowing those privileges on LA. In the pledge given to the city, he has promised to rebuild courts, playgrounds and fields for kids.

The fact that his wallet will get lighter next time he signs the dotted line on the contract paper mattered very little. Due to the trade to the Lakers, Doncic is no longer eligible for the $345 million supermax contract. After serving for more than 7 seasons, he’d have been eligible for it with the Mavs, but that fell short. Now, he can sign a 5-year, $229 million extension with the purple and gold. Not only that, Doncic also took a hit on the real estate front.

According to former Mavs player, Chandler Parsons, Doncic bought a $15 million house in Texas just days before his trade. He was reportedly in tears after learning the harsh truth. Nevertheless, Doncic remained true to his identity, bringing all his class and love to Los Angeles. And if this is only the beginning, one can certainly hope to see Luka’s name beside the greats that have graced the court in LA.