Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the basketball world, and Hall of Famer Steve Nash was no exception.
“I think everybody was shocked,” Nash told Flashscore’s Josh Donaldson. “They clearly did an incredible job, especially in today’s age of keeping it quiet.”
Doncic’s departure from the Dallas Mavericks in February was one of the most unexpected midseason trades in NBA history. The 26-year-old was sent to Los Angeles in a blockbuster deal that also involved Anthony Davis heading to Dallas.
The former two-time MVP believes the move will have a lasting impact on the NBA. “It definitely changes the landscape of the NBA and the Western Conference,” Nash said. “Even the next 10 years, having one of the best players in the game go to the Lakers.”
Doncic has already made an impact in Los Angeles, helping the team win six of his first eight games. His scoring numbers have dipped slightly since the trade, but he is still averaging 22 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 31.8 minutes per game.
Nash pointed out that Doncic’s arrival does not automatically make the Lakers title favorites. “I think they have a chance. They’ve opened the door to be a contender, but there’s so much they have to sort out,” he explained.
The Lakers have surged up the standings, winning 18 of their last 22 games to climb to second place in the Western Conference. However, integrating Doncic alongside LeBron James remains a challenge.
“You have two players that are actually quite similar,” Nash said. “LeBron and Luka, they both are playmaking forwards. They kind of are point forwards.”
Finding the right balance between the two stars will be key for the Lakers’ championship aspirations. “Trying to make all those pieces fit, trying to get their defense solid… they’re a little thin at the center position, but they have great positional size,” Nash added.
Doncic has shown flashes of dominance, scoring 29 or more points in three games since the trade. While the Lakers have benefited from his presence, Nash believes it will take time for the team to reach its full potential.
“I think that underestimates how difficult it is in a short period of time to find that connection and commonality,” Nash said. “Luka, LeBron, [Nikola] Jokic are computers. They see and process everything faster than everybody else.”
Doncic was blindsided by the trade, learning about the move only after it was finalized. Just a week before the deal, he had purchased a $15 million house in Dallas.
Despite the shocking nature of the trade, Nash sees Doncic’s long-term future in Los Angeles as a major win for the franchise. “You have a young player entering his prime and hopefully going to stay there for a minimum of five to hopefully 10 years,” he said.
The Lakers’ success with Doncic will depend on how quickly the team adjusts to its new dynamic. While the move has put them in contention, Nash warns that chemistry takes time.
“There’s a chance,” he said. “But we haven’t seen it long enough to say for sure.”
