The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic and instantly made him part of the decision-making process, but that hasn’t stopped fans and the media from creating rumblings about his departure. ESPN's Tim MacMahon brought it up on the Hoop Collective podcast in August. Doncic didn’t ask to join the Lakers, but he quickly embraced the franchise. Even more importantly, Luka has always been loyal to his team. After declaring his desire to win in LA again, fans of the purple and gold have nothing to worry about.
Doncic left Slovenia at 13 years old to play for Real Madrid. It was his only international club before coming to the NBA. Luka helped them win three Spanish league titles and the EuroLeague. He was MVP of both competitions in 2018 before being drafted by the Mavericks. It was Dallas that traded him. Luka’s loyalty hasn’t wavered after nearly 15 years of professional hoops.
Number 77 is embracing the Lakers' leadership role after LeBron James' departure. He is the face of the Lakers and has no reason to leave. The purple and gold are the iconic brand in the NBA. Doncic is the best player on the biggest team, but even more important to him is his loyalty.
Luka Doncic was committed to the Mavericks until the stunning trade
Doncic didn’t plan to leave the Mavericks. Shams Charania confirmed this in March 2025. The superstar was buying a forever house in Dallas, but the Mavericks shockingly ruined that. Luka led the franchise to the NBA Finals just months before the trade. Doncic certainly didn’t see it coming.
Shams noted that loyalty would carry over to the Lakers and that belief has only strengthened. The purple and gold built their roster around Luka this summer. They added the center Doncic wanted in Walker Kessler. The Lakers kept Austin Reaves and have already proven this star pairing works. This is Luka’s franchise, and he should be in the running to win MVP.
The Lakers have been built on star power and are known for taking care of the all-time greats. Yes, LeBron departed in free agency, and Shaq was traded. The rest finish their careers wearing the purple and gold. Luka certainly won’t be looking for the exit ramp.
Luka Doncic chose Slovenia over bigger international powers
Luka was born in Slovenia, but he qualified to play for Spain, Serbia, and Montenegro in FIBA competition. All three of those countries are bigger and more successful basketball nations. Doncic could have teamed up with Nikola Jokic or won a World Cup with Spain. Instead, he was loyal to the country he was born in.
Before Luka joined Slovenia, they had never finished higher than fifth in EuroBasket or even qualified for the Olympics. Doncic changed that. They won EuroBasket in 2017 and lost in the Bronze Medal Game at the 2020 Olympics.
This summer was the first year that Luka declined to play for his national team. He has been staunchly committed to Slovenia, even when the talent around him is subpar. That just goes to show that Doncic lives and dies with his team.
Luka Doncic is all-in on being the face of the Lakers
Number 77 keeps proving he is all-in on LA. He paid for the entire team to have a minicamp in Slovenia this summer. Luka is leading by example and hungry to win the Lakers their 18th championship. Doncic signed an extension in 2025 and plans to be the face of this franchise for the rest of his career.
The speculation would rear its ugly head during his time in Dallas, but there was never any truth to it. Fans of other teams love to speculate. The media wants to create stories, and there is nothing bigger than superstars switching teams. Luka’s name will pop up any time his contract is getting short, but the Lakers aren’t worried. He is committed to this franchise and is known for his years of loyalty.
The Los Angeles Lakers wisely traded for Luka Doncic when the Dallas Mavericks opened the door. They now have one of the best players on the planet, who is committed to his squad. Luka is happy to be leading the Lakers. This is his team and the entire organization is backing their superstar.
Mavs fans dreaming of a return or others hoping Doncic jumps ship should give up hope now. Number 77 is a Laker until the franchise quits on him. Luka’s loyalty won’t let it be any other way.
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