“[News of the trade] was a big shock. It was hard moments for me. I had to check if it was [April Fools’ Day]”. For Luka Doncic, the announcement of his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was as shocking as it was to his NBA peers and thousands of fans.  Nevertheless, the Slovenian is now a Laker- a completely new franchise for the first time in his NBA career. There’s a lot that he needs to do, the first on the list is getting settled.

The 25-year-old made his first appearance as a Laker during the recent introductory press conference. After it concluded, ESPN LA got an exclusive with Luka for a 1-on-1 conversation. When asked about his living accommodations, the former Mavericks player outright revealed, “Yeah, nothing yet. I’m just in the hotel. It’s just a lot of things. There’s a lot of things going on. So, just go thing by thing and not yet. I don’t have a place to live yet, so just.”

Understandable. Until, 4 days ago, Luka Doncic was still a Dallas Mavericks player. Thoughts about playing for the Lakers, finding his place with a new team, and looking for a house in Los Angeles were not even on his mind. Former Mavericks player Chandler Parsons had even spread the rumor that Luka was in the process of purchasing a $15 million home in Dallas a week before the trade announcement. The same was later confirmed by Luka’s business manager, Lara Beth Seager. She highlighted that her client was on the hunt since “he expected to spend his career in Dallas”. Oops!

Instead of finalizing a new home in Texas for his fiancée and his 1-year-old daughter, the player had to spend the last few days accepting the trade reality, getting on a flight to Los Angeles, participating in the introduction presser, and forming a familiarity with his new teammates. For so much to happen in so few days would affect anyone mentally. Fortunately, Luka is not without any help, as certain individuals from both Dallas and Los Angeles continue to stand beside him.

Kyrie Irving revealed checking up on Luka Doncic while the latter found familiarity in LA amongst 2 former teammates

Kyrie Irving would have been one player who was the most affected by Luka Doncic’s trade. After being traded to the Mavericks back in 2023, it seemed that the point guard finally found his footing alongside the Slovenian. Their professional bond reached the point that Irving even began referring to Luka as his ‘hermano’ (brother). Irving spoke about the trade after the Mavs’ recent game. Right from the start, he revealed being “Just really shocked. Just don’t imagine that you’re gonna get ready to go to sleep and then find out news like that.” Despite his own feelings, the player knew the trade was not about him. Therefore, he ensured to reach out and comfort the person who needed it the most.

“You know, (I) reached out to Luka. Made sure that he was good, made sure his family was good” Irving revealed.

Meanwhile, back at ESPN LA’s 1-on-1 conversation with the traded player, the host highlighted that Luka was amongst familiar faces even in LA. After all, both JJ Redick and Dorian Finney Smith were once the Slovenian’s teammates. Furthermore, the 5x NBA All-Star also previously worked with the Lakers Assistant coach Greg St. Jean. Their presence helped Luka, as he revealed “That’s really important. We came to a new place, and we have friendly faces. It’s everything, you know. Helps you mentally, so I’m really excited.” 

Before the next phase of Luka Doncic’s career can get exciting, there will be an adjustment period. Till then, all that his fans can hope is that he enjoys his new team, and looks forward to a memorable set of games.