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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

When Luka Doncic left Slovenia, he didn’t come to America to blend in. He came to take over. At 19, the Slovenian star had already ruled Europe, winning the EuroLeague title and MVP in 2018. But that wasn’t enough. His love for basketball was bigger. So, he took a chance on the NBA and found a home with the Dallas Mavericks where he wished to stay long. Now, five years later, the 26-year-old Slovenian Sensation dreamed of finishing his career in blue and white. After all, his place was beside Dirk Nowitzki’s statue, standing tall outside the AAC.

Sadly, those dreams crumbled on February 2, when Mavs GM Nico Harrison sent Luka packing for Anthony Davis. Just not too long ago, the now-Lakers star bought a $15 million home in Texas, he was ready to settle in Dallas forever. But fate had other plans, he was destined for the Purple and Gold No.77. After a month of being in LA, it sure looks like the old Doncic is back.

ESPN’s senior insider, Shams Charania, attended the Lakers-Clippers game on Sunday and got a chance to interact with people about Luka Doncic. “He had no intention ever of leaving Dallas, he had just bought a new home in Dallas, you know, for a lofty, lofty price. He did not want to go anywhere,” Charania informed. The insider added: “You think of a player coming from abroad. They’re very committed. They’re loyal, and that’s how he viewed himself with the Mavericks. It’s like one team, one city forever.”

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Luka had found his home in Dallas where he was the people’s favorite. His absence has created a void that no one can fill unless someone truly worthy shows up. But for now, Doncic seems to recreate the same loyalty for Los Angeles. Charania further noted: “And I think that’s gonna carry over to the Lakers. I think he’s loving his time in LA. I think he’s loving how the Lakers- You think about what the Lakers brand is. It’s like treating stars like stars, it’s Hollywood. It’s making the the star players bigger than life, and that’s what we’re gonna what we’re gonna see with Luka Doncic.”

Simply put, the legacy that the 26-year-old guard left behind in Dallas, he could rebuild the same in LA for the Lakers. He’s back to his usual self, scoring like he used to. Averaging 26.5 pts, 8.3 rebs, 7.5 last, with a 44.7 FG%. Against the Clippers, Doncic scored 29 points and helped his team win another game, thus pushing the Lakers up to the second position in the West.

Speaking of the West, amidst all the buzz around Luka and his adjustments in the new team, LeBron James is doing wonders. Who said he’s over? Who said he was too old for the league? Look at him perform at the highest level in every game. That’s helping him in adding more accolades to his record.

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Did the Mavericks make a mistake trading Luka Doncic, or was it time for a change?

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LeBron James makes it to the top while Luka Doncic finds his love for basketball in LA

LeBron James just doesn’t slow down. The NBA named him Western Conference Player of the Month for February—because, of course, they did. Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell claimed the honor in the East, and even Austin Reaves, LeBron’s Lakers teammate, earned a nomination in the West. At 40, most players are watching from the sidelines. Not Bron. No matter who suits up for the Lakers, he shows up and delivers. And in February, he reminded everyone why he’s still the King.

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Moreover, he led the Lakers to a 10-2 record, averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 55.5% from the field and 44.3% from three. But he’s not just an offensive machine—his defense is turning heads too, with JJ Redick even pushing for an All-NBA Defensive nod. With 55 games played and season averages of 24.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists, LeBron isn’t just stacking awards—he’s sneaking into the MVP race.

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So, Luka Doncic is finding his rhythm in LA, while LeBron James refuses to let time catch him. One is rebuilding a legacy in purple and gold, the other is adding new chapters to his already historic career. Together, they’re turning the Lakers into a powerhouse—one bucket, one win, and one statement at a time.

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Did the Mavericks make a mistake trading Luka Doncic, or was it time for a change?

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