Luka Doncic is thriving with the Los Angeles Lakers after recently signing a three-year, $165 million contract extension. His positive experience with the Lakers highlights clear Luka Doncic Lakers Treatment Differences compared to his time with the Dallas Mavericks, as demonstrated by the organization’s welcoming atmosphere and special gestures like a surprise invitation to a Backstreet Boys concert.
The Different Atmosphere Between Mavericks and Lakers
During Doncic’s final days with the Dallas Mavericks, an uncomfortable moment occurred when assistant general manager Michael Finley took a beer can from Doncic after the team secured a spot in the 2024 NBA Finals. This incident, captured on camera, appeared unnecessary and left Doncic somewhat confused.
In contrast, the Lakers have shown nothing but respect and warmth toward Doncic from the beginning. At his contract signing press conference, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organization’s leadership and staff, including Mark, Jeanie Buss, JJ Redick, and Rob Pelinka, emphasizing how welcomed he felt.
“I just want to say thank you, like I said in Spanish, You guys welcomed me with open arms. Thank you, Mark, thank you, Jeanie [Buss], JJ [Redick], Rob [Pelinka], the whole organization… Honestly, I can’t wait to get started.”
—Luka Doncic, Lakers Player
Quick Decision to Commit to the Lakers
Quando asked about his decision to sign the extension, Doncic revealed it was made quickly after beginning to play with the team. He expressed confidence in the Lakers’ organization and the mutual trust they built.
“I was kind of thinking, obviously not in the moment when I got traded, but later on, when I started playing, I wanted to be here, Like I said, this is an amazing organization, we have trust in each other. So, I honestly decided pretty quick.”
—Luka Doncic, Lakers Player
Physical Transformation Reflects Commitment and Ambition
This offseason, Doncic has made significant changes to improve his conditioning and overall health, including altering his diet and workout routine. Observers note that he looks slimmer and more physically prepared, increasing expectations that he could secure his first MVP title in the upcoming season. An anonymous NBA coach even remarked that the league should be concerned about Doncic’s elevated level of performance.
This transformation raises questions about the Mavericks’ decision to trade him amid concerns over his conditioning and durability. Currently, Doncic appears in peak shape, which makes the trade look increasingly questionable in hindsight.
Mavericks’ Perspective on Trading Doncic
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts stated in an interview with Bloomberg Television that the organization holds no regrets about the decision to trade Doncic. He emphasized the importance of moving forward without dwelling on fear or regret while appreciating the strong connection between the team and its fans.
“You can’t have fear or regrets in this business, It’s all about how you move forward, so it doesn’t really serve a purpose to have regrets. What I will say, I learned about the depth of the connection between Mavericks fans and this team, and that to me was half glass full because I knew we could restore that over time.”
—Rick Welts, Mavericks CEO
Welts also praised how the Mavericks honored Doncic during his first return to the American Airlines Center as a Laker, highlighting the fans’ appreciation and emotional tributes that night.
“I didn’t think it would happen quite as quickly, perhaps as it’s happened, I would also say I’m incredibly proud of how the organization presented itself for Luka’s first game back at American Airlines Center when he was a Los Angeles Laker. I think if you watch that game, it was an opportunity for fans to say thank you.”
—Rick Welts, Mavericks CEO
“I think you saw the emotion on Luka’s face, you saw the way that night unfolded in tributes to Luka, I think he’ll always be such a big part of the history here. And we wish him nothing but good luck, but we also hope we beat his team every time we play them going forward.”
—Rick Welts, Mavericks CEO
Future Outlook for Doncic and the Mavericks
The Mavericks eased some of their fans’ disappointment about losing Doncic by winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and selecting promising talent Cooper Flagg. Despite this, many supporters still wish Doncic had remained with the team, especially as he continues to excel and the possibility grows that he might lead the Lakers to an NBA championship. The contrast in treatment between his days with the Mavericks and his current experience with the Lakers marks a significant shift in his career and personal satisfaction.