The news of Luka Dončić’s trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month sent shockwaves through the NBA. Almost immediately following the announcement of this historic trade, reports began to emerge from Dallas, raising questions about Dončić’s weight and conditioning. While Dončić has not publicly addressed these leaks, a source close to the five-time All-NBA guard told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that they have provided additional motivation as he acclimates to his new team and city.
“A beast was awakened inside him,” the source said to ESPN.
Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks presents Dončić with his first chance to compete against the team that traded him. As the Lakers begin a six-game homestand, they will face a Mavericks team dealing with injuries. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, this reunion is anticipated to be an emotionally charged affair.
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“I think he’ll be fine,” head coach J.J. Redick said of his newly added star. “Every day that he’s been with us it’s becoming a little more normal. I’ve been there. The first time you play your old team, particularly this close in time duration, it’s going to be weird. But he’ll be OK.”
While the game carries added significance for Dončić, his Lakers teammates are also looking forward to the matchup and have expressed their support as he faces his former team. Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who previously played alongside Dončić in Dallas, confirmed the team’s excitement and solidarity.
“I’m excited, man,” Finney-Smith said. “I know (Doncic is) gonna be ready but I try not to put too much pressure on him because at the end of the day, we just want to get the win. We get the win, I know he’s gonna be happy.”
Dončić’s initial performances for the Lakers, following a prolonged absence due to a calf strain, were not indicative of his usual form. He averaged only 14.7 points on 35.6% shooting in his first three games. However, his performance this past Saturday in Denver underscored the magnitude of the Mavericks’ decision to trade him. Dončić delivered a dominant performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals in a resounding 23-point victory over a Nuggets team that has consistently posed a challenge for the Lakers.
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According to Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News, Dončić’s former Mavericks teammates are bracing themselves to see this same level of play on Tuesday.
“I expect him to bring his A-game,” Mavs forward P.J. Washington said. “Knowing just the player he is, the mentality he brings to the game, I know he’s going to be ready as soon as we get out there. We can’t wait to compete against him. We miss him, but at the end of the day, he’s our brother and we’re always going to love him but we just gotta go out there and compete against him.”
“I would love to get into the emotions after the game, but before the game it’s just about having fun and making sure that we lock in and have a deep focus,” Dallas guard Kyrie Irving said. “They’re going to come in and be ready to play against us. Luka’s obviously going to have a lot of confidence in that game. He played well the last game so he’s feeling good. We just have to be aware.”