Luka Doncic tells Malika Andrews about throwing his phone and breaking it when he found out he got traded to the Los Angeles Lakers “My heart was broken honestly.”

Luka Dončić’s Emotional Journey: From Heartbreak to New Beginnings**

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### **Introduction**

In February 2025, the NBA world was rocked by a trade that sent Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. For Dončić, this move was not just a change of teams but a profound emotional upheaval. In an exclusive interview with Malika Andrews, Dončić opened up about the heartbreak he felt upon learning of the trade and the challenges of transitioning to a new chapter in his career.

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### **The Shock of the Trade**

The trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers was part of a three-team deal involving the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz. In exchange for Dončić, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick from the Lakers. The deal stunned fans and analysts alike, as Dončić had been the cornerstone of the Mavericks’ franchise since his arrival in 2018.

Upon hearing the news, Dončić’s initial reaction was one of disbelief and sorrow. He admitted to throwing his phone in frustration, resulting in a shattered screen—a physical manifestation of his emotional turmoil. Former teammate Chandler Parsons revealed that Dončić cried upon learning about the trade, underscoring the depth of his attachment to Dallas and its fans. citeturn0search13

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### **A Heartfelt Farewell to Dallas**

In the wake of the trade, Dončić penned a heartfelt message to the Dallas community. He expressed gratitude for the support he had received over the years, stating that he had hoped to spend his entire career in Dallas and bring a championship to the city. The love and loyalty of the Mavericks’ fans had made North Texas feel like home to him. citeturn0search0

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### **Adjusting to Life in Los Angeles**

Transitioning to the Lakers presented its own set of challenges. Dončić described his first day in Los Angeles as emotionally difficult, likening the intensity of the past 48 hours to that of an entire month. However, he acknowledged the opportunity to play for one of the most storied franchises in NBA history and expressed excitement about the prospect of teaming up with LeBron James. citeturn0search2

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### **Family Support Amidst the Change**

Throughout this tumultuous period, Dončić’s family has been a source of strength. His father, Saša Dončić, publicly criticized the Mavericks for trading his son without prior consultation and for leaking negative stories about him to the media. This support underscores the close-knit nature of the Dončić family and their commitment to each other. citeturn0search13

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### **Looking Ahead**

As Dončić embarks on this new chapter with the Lakers, he remains focused on his ultimate goal: winning championships. Despite the emotional challenges of the trade, he is determined to contribute to the Lakers’ success and to honor the legacy of the franchise. His journey reflects the complexities of professional sports, where business decisions intersect with personal aspirations and emotions.

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### **Conclusion**

Luka Dončić’s experience following his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers highlights the human side of professional athletes. His emotional response to the trade and his subsequent adjustment to life in Los Angeles demonstrate the challenges athletes face when their careers take unexpected turns. As he continues to navigate this transition, Dončić’s resilience and commitment to his craft will undoubtedly shape his future endeavors in the NBA.

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*Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest available reports and may be subject to change as the situation develops.*

 

Luka Doncic recently opened up to ESPN’s Malika Andrews about his emotional reaction to being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Doncic, he was in bed watching a movie on his iPad when he received the news, and his initial response was shock and sadness. He threw his phone across the room, breaking it, and admitted that his heart was broken.

*Doncic’s Emotional Reaction:*

– *Shock and Sadness*: Doncic said he asked “Is this April 1st?” multiple times, indicating his disbelief and confusion about the trade.
– *Throwing His Phone*: Doncic’s emotional reaction led him to throw his phone, which broke into pieces. However, he mentioned that the phone still works.
– *Heartbroken*: Doncic described feeling like his heart was broken, showcasing the deep emotional impact of the trade ¹ ².

*Doncic’s Feelings About the Trade:*

– *Mavericks’ Legacy*: Doncic had intended to spend his entire career with the Mavericks and was visibly emotional during his tribute video before playing against them for the first time as a Laker.
– *Nico Harrison’s Comments*: Doncic expressed sadness about Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s comments after the trade, which suggested Doncic wasn’t committed to improving his defense. Doncic wants to move on from the situation.
– *Lakers’ Future*: Doncic seems focused on his new team, expressing his desire to stay with the Lakers long-term and lead them to a deep playoff run ¹ ³.

*Current Situation:*

– *Playoff Debut*: Doncic is set to make his playoff debut with the Lakers against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 20, 2025.
– *Performance*: In his first game against the Mavericks as a Laker, Doncic scored 45 points, showcasing his talent and dedication to the team ⁴.