Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks star, recently made headlines with his prediction about reuniting with former teammate Dorian Finney-Smith. The two players shared the court for several seasons in Dallas before Finney-Smith was traded to the Brooklyn Nets during the 2022-2023 season.
Doncic’s Fond Memories
During their time together, Doncic and Finney-Smith developed a strong bond, with Doncic expressing how much he misses playing alongside him. After a match against the Nets last season, he stated, “That’s my guy. I miss him so much. I know at some point, we’re gonna play again, for sure.” This sentiment highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect they built over the years.
A New Chapter with the Lakers
Fast forward to this season, and Finney-Smith has now joined the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA landscape shifted dramatically when reports surfaced that Doncic himself was traded to the Lakers in a high-profile deal involving Anthony Davis. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, this trade marks a significant moment for both players as they reunite on the same team once again.
Details of the Trade
- Lakers Receive: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
- Mavericks Receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 first-round pick (via Lakers)
- Jazz Receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2 second-round picks
This trade not only reunites Doncic and Finney-Smith but also reshapes the rosters of three teams, setting the stage for an intriguing second half of the season.
Doncic’s Impressive Stats
Joining the Lakers, Doncic brings with him an impressive set of statistics. In 22 games this season, he has averaged:
- 28.1 points
- 8.3 rebounds
- 7.8 assists
- 2.0 steals
His shooting percentages stand at 46.4% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc, showcasing his significant offensive contributions.
Milestones at a Young Age
At just 25 years old, Doncic has already made remarkable achievements in his career, including:
- 5-time All-Star
- 5-time 1st Team All-NBA
- Rookie of the Year (ROTY)
- 2nd all-time in playoff points per game (PPG)
- 3rd all-time in regular-season PPG
- 6th all-time in playoff triple-doubles
- 7th all-time in regular-season triple-doubles
These accomplishments make the trade’s context even more intriguing, as Doncic transitions to this new chapter with the Lakers.
