When fans talk about the “what ifs” in NBA history, there are always a few trades or draft decisions that live in infamy. For Los Angeles Lakers fans, one such “what if” has resurfaced with surprising emotion attached to it: the story of Luka Doncic and the Lakers. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss recently revealed that Doncic himself was heartbroken when he realized a potential move to Los Angeles had slipped away. For a player already considered one of the brightest superstars of this generation, the revelation sheds light on not just a missed opportunity for the Lakers, but also on the emotional side of a player who dreamed of wearing the purple and gold.
The Dream That Never Materialized
Luka Doncic, the Slovenian prodigy, came into the NBA in 2018 as one of the most hyped international prospects in basketball history. With a résumé that already included a EuroLeague MVP and championship at just 19 years old, it was clear he was destined for stardom. The Atlanta Hawks selected him with the third pick before trading him to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Trae Young and a future first-rounder.
But what many fans may not know is that the Lakers had scouted Doncic heavily during the lead-up to the draft. They admired his size, his playmaking, his ability to control the tempo of the game, and his flair for big moments. Buss revealed that Doncic was very aware of the Lakers’ interest in him—and when it became clear that he wouldn’t end up in Los Angeles, he was deeply disappointed.
For Doncic, the Lakers weren’t just another team. They represented tradition, championship banners, and the legacy of legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. The chance to follow in those footsteps was something that he reportedly cherished. When the trade scenario fell apart and Doncic realized his destiny was to be a Maverick, the disappointment was real and heartfelt.
Jeanie Buss Opens Up
Jeanie Buss, who has always been candid about the Lakers’ highs and lows, recently shared that Doncic’s heartbreak wasn’t just speculation. According to her, Luka had expressed how much he wanted to be a part of the Lakers organization, and how much it stung when it didn’t happen.
“Luka had this genuine love for the Lakers,” Buss said. “He grew up watching our history, knowing what this franchise means, and when it didn’t work out, he was heartbroken. He truly believed he could have been part of continuing that legacy.”
It’s rare for Buss to openly discuss a player tied to another franchise, but her comments painted a picture of what could have been a dream scenario for Lakers Nation: Luka Doncic orchestrating the offense at Crypto.com Arena in front of adoring fans wearing purple and gold.
A Missed Opportunity for the Lakers
In hindsight, it’s easy to say the Lakers should have found a way to land Doncic. Every team in the league, outside of Dallas, probably wishes the same thing. Luka’s combination of scoring, vision, and clutch performance has already made him one of the top players in the NBA at just 25 years old.
The Lakers, at the time, were still in the process of rebuilding after the Kobe Bryant era. They would go on to acquire LeBron James in the summer of 2018, and later Anthony Davis, which culminated in the 2020 NBA championship. But imagine a core of Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, with LeBron mentoring Luka in his early NBA years—it’s a pairing that could have redefined the league for a decade.
Luka’s Legacy in Dallas
Despite the heartbreak, Luka Doncic has embraced Dallas as his home. He has already led the Mavericks to multiple playoff runs, including a Western Conference Finals appearance, and has established himself as the face of the franchise. His jersey sales, international popularity, and highlight-reel plays have made him one of the NBA’s biggest stars.
Still, the revelation that he once longed to be a Laker adds a bittersweet layer to his story. It shows that even for the biggest stars, emotions and dreams play a role in their careers.
Fans React to the Revelation
Once Buss’s comments became public, fans across social media exploded with reactions. Lakers fans expressed heartbreak at the missed chance, imagining what could have been if Doncic had been paired with LeBron. Some wondered if there was ever a realistic scenario where the Lakers could have landed him, while others joked that Doncic might still end up in Los Angeles one day through free agency or trade.
Mavericks fans, on the other hand, expressed gratitude that their team was able to secure Doncic’s talents. Many pointed out that while Luka might have initially been disappointed, he has embraced Dallas fully and continues to give the city hope for another championship.
What This Means for the Future
The NBA is full of surprises, and nothing is ever truly off the table. While Doncic is under contract with Dallas and remains committed to the Mavericks, stars have moved before under circumstances that seemed impossible. Could the heartbreak of missing out on the Lakers still play a role in Doncic’s long-term career decisions? Only time will tell.
For now, what’s certain is that Doncic’s love for the Lakers and his initial heartbreak humanize him in a way fans don’t always see. It’s a reminder that even superstars have dreams—and sometimes those dreams involve following in the footsteps of their idols.
Conclusion
The story of Luka Doncic and the Lakers is one of basketball’s fascinating “what ifs.” According to Jeanie Buss, Doncic was heartbroken when he realized he wouldn’t be joining the Lakers, a team he admired deeply. Instead, he has built his legacy in Dallas, where he continues to dazzle fans with his brilliance.
Yet, the revelation leaves the door open to speculation and imagination. What if Luka had worn purple and gold from the start? What if he had teamed up with LeBron James? While fans may never know the answers, the thought itself is enough to keep this story alive in NBA conversations for years to come.
One thing is certain: Luka Doncic’s journey is far from over, and whether in Dallas or elsewhere, he will continue to shape the future of basketball.
