Sad news: Luka Doncic terminated his contract with Lakers due to..
On February 2, 2025, the NBA witnessed one of its most unexpected trades: Luka Dončić was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. This three-team deal also involved the Utah Jazz, who received Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks. The trade was notable not only for the caliber of players involved but also because it marked the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other midseason .
Dončić’s Reaction to the Trade
Dončić expressed surprise and disappointment upon learning of the trade. He had envisioned spending his entire career with the Mavericks and was blindsided by the move. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Dončić thanked the Dallas fans for their unwavering support but criticized the organization’s handling of the trade, highlighting the lack of communication and transparency .
Financial Implications of the Move
The trade had significant financial consequences for Dončić. Had he remained with the Mavericks, he would have been eligible for a supermax contract worth $345 million over five years. However, the move to the Lakers rendered him ineligible for this deal, capping his potential earnings at $229 million. Additionally, relocating from Texas, which has no state income tax, to California, which has a top state income tax rate of 14.4% for incomes exceeding $1 million, resulted in a substantial financial loss for Dončić .
The Lakers’ Perspective
From the Lakers’ standpoint, acquiring Dončić was seen as a strategic move to secure the future of the franchise. With LeBron James’ career winding down, the Lakers aimed to build around Dončić as the centerpiece of their team. Head coach JJ Redick described the opportunity to acquire Dončić as a “once-in-a-lifetime” event, emphasizing the unique chance to pair him with a player of LeBron’s caliber.
Mavericks’ Rationale and Criticism
The Mavericks’ decision to trade Dončić was met with widespread criticism. General Manager Nico Harrison defended the move, stating that the team needed to improve its defense and that the trade would help achieve that goal. However, many fans and analysts felt that the return was insufficient, with former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban suggesting that the team should have sought more assets in the deal .
Current Status
As of now, Luka Dončić is an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has integrated into the team’s lineup and continues to contribute significantly on the court. There have been no official announcements or credible reports indicating that he has terminated his contract or is seeking a move away from the Lakers.
Conclusion
In summary, while Luka Dončić’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was a significant event in the NBA, there is no evidence to suggest that he has terminated his contract with the team. He remains a key player for the Lakers, and any rumors regarding his departure should be viewed with skepticism unless confirmed by official sources.
