Lakers GM Rob Pelinka on Luka Doncic Acquisition 'Seismic Event in NBA History'

The team president weighed in on his new superstar acqusition.
Jan 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jan 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Los Angeles Lakers team executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka pulled few punches during the introductory presser for five-time All-NBA First Team guard Luka Doncic, who was shockingly dealt away from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, 3-and-D swingman Max Christie, and a single first round draft pick in 2029.

Read More: Lakers Make Shocking Trade, Land Luka Doncic from Mavericks for Anthony Davis

The Lakers also brought in injured reserve power forward/center Maxi Kleber (who would likely start at center were he healthy, but he has a broken foot and his status for the season is up in the air) and old friend Markeiff Morris, who played with L.A. during its championship 2019-20 season and in 2020-21, as part of the deal.

Los Angeles shipped out second-year point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, its 2023 first round pick, plus its rights to the L.A. Clippers' 2025 second rounder, to the Utah Jazz. The Mavericks also sent their own 2025 second to Utah.

Per Mike Trudell of Spectrum Sportsnet, Pelinka is convinced the move will be one of the most impactful across the league's 78-year history.

“Luka Doncic joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history," Pelinka said. "[We] have a 25-year-old global superstar that is going to get on the stage of the most popular and influential basketball force in the globe.”

Read More: Lakers' Rob Pelinka Negotiated for Three Weeks to Land Luka Doncic

It's a huge moment for the Lakers. In Doncic, the team is adding a perennial MVP contender (he finished third in MVP voting last season) who at 25 may not even have reached his prime quite yet. Doncic is one of the greatest offensive talents in the league today, and is already on track to Hall of Fame status. Davis, soon to be 32, is a great player in his own right, but even at his peak when L.A. first acquired him, the 6-foot-10 big man did not have the upside Doncic possesses.

This deal was an absolute steal for the Lakers.

In 22 healthy games for the Mavericks this year, Doncic logged averages of 28.1 points on .464/.354/.767 shooting splits, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.0 steals a night. He has been hurt with a calf strain since a 109-95 Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and is currently considered day-to-day for L.A.

More Lakers:

Lakers' Rob Pelinka Reportedly Called LeBron James Immediately Following Anthony Davis Trade

NBA Executives 'Legitimately Shocked' by Lakers' Luka Doncic Trade

For the latest Los Angeles Lakers news and notes, stay glued to Lakers On SI.


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Alex Kirschenbaum
ALEX KIRSCHENBAUM

Basketball is Alex's favorite sport, he likes the way they dribble up and down the court.