The decision from the Dallas Mavericks to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers left most of the world astounded.
And yet it was not the only bizarre decision surrounding Luka Doncic, who has been one of the most talked about players in the NBA ever since he was drafted in 2018.
Doncic entered the 2018 draft after three years spent playing in the EuroLeague with Real Madrid, becoming the team’s youngest ever player, and winning the title and MVP.
It is still seen as one of the league’s biggest misses that Luka Doncic was not taken number one overall, or even number two.
The Phoenix Suns took Deandre Ayton with the first pick, and in an even bigger shock, the Sacramento Kings selected Marvin Bagley with number two.
This prompted the Dallas Mavericks to trade up to number three with the Atlanta Hawks to get Luka Doncic, a player who was expected to be the cornerstone of their franchise for two decades.
Seven years on, Luka Doncic was traded to the LA Lakers, following in the footsteps of some of the greatest ever to grace the court.
Luka Doncic is set to become the latest LA Lakers hero, and he has had backing already from some of the greats.
Magic Johnson has expressed excitement about what he can bring to the franchise, while Magic’s former teammate James Worthy has also given his backing.
And while the great Jerry West passed away in June 2024 at the age of 86, he once expressed his admiration for Luka Doncic, and his astonishment that teams passed on him.
West told an interview: “Luka Doncic, what was he the fifth player in the draft – oh my God. I can’t believe that someone let him go, I can’t.
“He was a unique kid at 15 years of age. He was competing against men.”
Jerry West was shocked at the 2018 Draft and Luka: “Luka Doncic, what was he the fifth player in the draft – oh my God. I can’t believe that someone let him go, I can’t. He was a unique kid at 15 years of age. He was competing against men in Europe, he’s 15 years – but not competing, excelling”
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Luka Doncic paid tribute to Jerry West during the 2024 NBA Finals, following his sad passing.
He spoke of his respect for the LA Lakers great, commenting: “He was a legend. We all going to miss him. He’s the logo, so… He was an amazing player.
“I wasn’t born yet, but I saw some highlights. He was an amazing player.”
Now wearing his own unique number 77 jersey, with West’s 44 retired by the team way back in 1983, Doncic is following in his footsteps in a way he may have dreamed of, but never would have expected entering this season.
As the events of the past week begin to settle, one thing we do know is the Lakers have a new hero.
