Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in 2025.
Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green opened up on Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Earlier this year, the Dallas Mavericks dropped a bombshell on the entire NBA fraternity when they announced the trade of their superstar Doncic to the Lakers. The deal sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. The move came out of nowhere and sent everyone, including Doncic, surprised.
However, after a lot was said and a lot was heard, Doncic joined forces with LeBron James and put up a splendid performance in purple and gold colors. In his debut season with the 17-time champions, the Slovenian averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He was shooting 43.8% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, the Lakers’ tenure resulted in disappointment following their first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now, the 26-year-old is gearing up for even a better 2025-26 campaign and engaging in intense training sessions. Recently, Green made a case for Doncic to win the NBA MVP award next season, suggesting that his trade to the Lakers has ignited that hunger in him. The four-time champion said, “Luka is looking like rookie Luka all over again. The Trade has created that hunger again it seems! Also the perfect year to go win his 1st MVP award.”
He added, “Going right from Euros to training camp. Will already be in basketball shape and can hit the ground running! Coming off Team USA summers would make for the best situations coming into the season for me.”
Green Defends Nico Harrison Over Luka Doncic’s Trade
Ever since he moved Luka Doncic to the Lakers, the Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has to face wrath of fans and pundits. Harrison was trolled and criticised brutally for his move. Not only this, but recently the five-time NBA All-Star lost around 30 pounds with his high-intensity workouts and disciplined lifestyle. This has once again led to Harrison’s criticism.
However, Green came in the defense of the Mavericks’ GM when fans pointed out how Doncic was traded for his work ethos. Green wrote on Threads, “Does Luka have that same fire if not traded from Dallas? Nico can be right [in] his thinking and end up wrong in the end because he doesn’t play the game, and Luka is one of the greatest talents we have seen. But it doesn’t just mean (expletive) on Nico either.”
Keeping everything aside, it would be interesting to see how a fitter Luka Doncic would be beneficial for the Lakers.