Luka Doncic believes the trade that moved him from Dallas to the Los Angeles Lakers last year has placed him in a stronger position to contend for championships, writes Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal.
Following a brief appearance in Sunday’s All-Star Game, Doncic spoke with Slovenia’s SportKlub and was asked to compare his former and current organizations.
“I think the organization here is better,” Doncic said. “The Lakers are a truly legendary club, and the organization is legendary too.”
With 17 NBA championships and a long history of star-driven success, the Lakers’ reputation supports Doncic’s view.
While Dallas reached the NBA Finals with him in 2024, the franchise has struggled since the trade and is on track to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
According to sources close to the player cited by Afseth, a return to Dallas appears unlikely.
Members of Doncic’s camp were reportedly frustrated by negative remarks from the Mavericks about his conditioning and other internal explanations surrounding the trade.
Although Doncic remains close with some former teammates and staff, including interim co-general manager Matt Riccardi, Afseth notes that he has not reconnected with Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd since the deal.
Lakers Notes: Doncic, Injuries, Ayton, Front Office https://t.co/S6gAGNUa1V pic.twitter.com/IvPoYcPdod
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 19, 2026
