Late Saturday night, the Dallas Mavericks dealt star wing Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team trade that sent draft assets to the Utah Jazz and Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.
In what can only be described as one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the 25-year-old Doncic, who is already one of the best players in the league and has yet to hit his prime, is now teaming up with LeBron James in Los Angeles.
The move blindsided rival executives, NBA fans and players alike.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, one of the few players in the league who seemed as untradable as Doncic, was stunned.
"I texted him. ...He didn't expect it, of course," Jokic said. "I think he just needs to be with his family right now. It's a big move. It's a business. Nobody expected it, especially with him. I think nobody is safe in the league. But I think he's gonna go and do a good job, you know? I think he's the player for the big scene, even though I thought in Dallas he had something special going on."
Nikola Jokic says he texted with Luka Doncic after the trade to the Lakers:
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 4, 2025
"I think nobody is safe in the league." pic.twitter.com/vmzyWs8QYA
Doncic has been out since late December with a calf strain, but is expected to make his Lakers debut sooner rather than later as he nears full health.
When he returns, he will team up with James and the new-look Lakers as they look to make a Western Conference playoff push in the second half of the season.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Nikola Jokic Reacts to Stunning Luka Doncic Trade: 'Nobody's Safe'.
