The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a team synonymous with success and greatness. With a rich history and a legacy of championship titles, the Lakers have always been a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. However, in recent years, the team has faced its fair share of struggles and challenges. And now, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has opened up about one of the most heartbreaking moments in the team’s recent history – the trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Dallas Mavericks.
In a recent interview with Heavy Sports, Buss revealed some heart-wrenching insights about the Lakers and the decision to trade Dončić. The young Slovenian player was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018, but was immediately traded to the Mavericks in exchange for Trae Young and a future first-round pick. This move left many Lakers fans disappointed and confused, as Dončić was highly regarded as one of the top prospects in the draft.
Buss, who has been the owner of the Lakers since 2017, admitted that the decision to trade Dončić was not an easy one. She shared that it was a difficult and emotional time for the team, as they had to weigh their options and make a tough decision. Buss also revealed that she personally had a strong connection with Dončić and was sad to see him go.
“I had a great relationship with Luka and his family. He’s a special player and a great person. It was a tough decision to let him go, but we had to do what we felt was best for the team at that time,” Buss said.
The trade has since been heavily criticized, especially with Dončić’s impressive performance in the NBA. In just his second season, he was named an All-Star and was also awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year. He has quickly become one of the league’s top players and has led the Mavericks to the playoffs in consecutive seasons.
Buss also acknowledged the criticism surrounding the trade and expressed her regret for not being able to keep Dončić on the Lakers’ roster. She shared that she understands the fans’ disappointment and assured them that the team is always striving to make the best decisions for the organization.
“As an owner, I always want to do what’s best for the team and the fans. Looking back, I wish we could have kept Luka, but we have to trust in our decisions and move forward,” Buss said.
Despite the regret and disappointment, Buss remains optimistic about the Lakers’ future. She believes that the team is on the right track and is confident that they will continue to make moves that will lead them back to championship contention.
“We have a great group of players and a strong coaching staff. We’re always looking for ways to improve and bring success back to the Lakers. I have no doubt that we will get there,” Buss said.
Buss also addressed the recent rumors surrounding a potential reunion between Dončić and the Lakers. With Dončić’s contract set to expire in 2022, there have been speculations that he may consider joining the Lakers in the future. Buss, however, remained tight-lipped about any potential plans and instead focused on the present.
“Our focus right now is on our current team and the upcoming season. We have a lot of talented players and our goal is to win a championship. As for the future, we’ll have to wait and see,” Buss said.
The Lakers have had their fair share of ups and downs, but one thing remains constant – the unwavering support of their fans. Buss acknowledged the fans’ loyalty and thanked them for their continuous support through the team’s highs and lows.
“Our fans are the best in the world. They have stood by us through thick and thin, and we are grateful for their unwavering support. We will continue to work hard and make them proud,” Buss said.
As the Lakers gear up for the upcoming season, Buss’s heartfelt admission about the Dončić trade serves as a reminder that behind every decision made by the team, there are emotions and tough choices involved. But with a strong and determined owner like Jeanie Buss at the helm, the Lakers are sure to overcome any challenges and emerge stronger than ever.