'That's not true' ... Luka Doncic shuts down Mavericks rumors about conditioning after Lakers trade

Doncic responded to claims over his conditioning in his first press conference with the Lakers.

Dec 25, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles waited until after midnight this past weekend to announce one of the most surprising trades in NBA History. Superstar Luka Doncic will continue his career with the Lakers while Anthony Davis is moving to the Mavericks. It's a move that remains hard to grasp despite two days having passed.

Doncic was shocked by the trade after recently buying a home in the Dallas area. Regardless, life in the NBA moves on quickly and the 25-year-old was introduced by the Lakers during a press conference on Tuesday.

While speaking about the deal that sent him to Los Angeles, Doncic revealed he had a feeling the Mavericks would move on from him at some point, which probably isn't something the fanbase likes to hear.

Feb 4, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is introduced at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

"I'm just excited to be here, to start this new journey. Obviously, at some point, I knew this was gonna happen but I would say I always take the high road,” Doncic said on Tuesday. “I had my amazing moments in Dallas with all my teammates, coaches, and most importantly the fans. They always supported me and it was an amazing journey.”

Why was Doncic uncertain about his status in the first place? It all leads back to GM Nico Harrison, who has moved on from multiple members of the franchise that the Slovenia native was close with.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Luka Doncic shockingly traded to the Lakers for Anthony Davis

Doncic also shut down rumors that have surfaced since the trade, including an unfounded claim from the Mavericks. Per ESPN's Tim McMahon, Dallas had 'major concerns' about his conditioning 'issues' and making a commitment to a supermax contract extension this summer.

Feb 4, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is introduced at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The five-time All-NBA first-team selection flat-out said what's being reported isn't true.

"No, it's not true but it's a motive," Doncic said. "Like I said, I came here, one of the biggest clubs in the history of sports so it's a big motive."

It certainly feels like the Mavericks are in damage-control mode with the backlash they've received since Sunday morning. Hundreds of fans have posted on social media that they're canceling season ticket packages and television subscriptions. Dallas has lost roughly 700,000 followers on Instagram in the aftermath of the outrageous decision.

The Full Breakdown Of The Luka Doncic Trade

Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 Lakers first-round pick

Lakers: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris

Jazz: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers second-round pick, 2025 Mavericks second-round pick

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READ MORE: Lakers reportedly convinced Mavs to take lesser trade due to riskiness of Luka Doncic

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