Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić, who was recently traded from the Dallas Mavericks, spoke candidly about the differences between the two organizations during NBA All-Star Weekend. Dončić praised the Lakers as a “truly legendary club” with a legendary organization, in contrast to his former team in Dallas.

Why it matters

Dončić’s comments provide rare insight into how players perceive the differences between NBA franchises, especially one as storied as the Lakers compared to a smaller market team like the Mavericks. His words suggest he sees joining the Lakers as an opportunity to cement his legacy as an all-time great.

The details

In an interview with a Slovenian reporter, Dončić said: “I think the organization here is better. The Lakers are a truly legendary club and the organization is legendary too.” This comes after Dončić spent the first part of his career carrying the Mavericks, becoming a scoring sensation in Dallas. But he now seems to appreciate the Lakers’ championship pedigree and the chance to be part of a dynasty.

Dončić made the comments during NBA All-Star Weekend on February 17, 2026.
The players

Luka Dončić

A 27-year-old Slovenian basketball player who was recently traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dallas Mavericks

The NBA team that drafted and developed Dončić before trading him to the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers

The legendary NBA franchise that Dončić now plays for, known for their championship pedigree and storied history.

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What they’re saying

“I think the organization here is better. The Lakers are a truly legendary club and the organization is legendary too.”

— Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers player (Slovenian reporter)

The takeaway

Dončić’s comments highlight the stark differences between playing for a smaller market team like the Mavericks and joining a historic franchise like the Lakers, where championships are the expectation rather than just an aspiration. His words suggest he sees this as an opportunity to cement his legacy as an all-time great.