Luka Doncic Sends 5-Word Message In First Lakers Instagram Post

Top 5 Worst Super Bowl Halftime Shows (1:49)

Luka Doncic was officially introduced as the newest Los Angeles Laker on Tuesday.

The NBA world is still trying to wrap its head around the stunning weekend trade that sent Doncic from the Mavericks to the Lakers, with Anthony Davis going back to Dallas as the main return piece. The deal has left Mavericks fans equal parts shocked and furious, while Doncic himself said Tuesday he thought someone was pranking him when he found out the news.

“I was almost asleep, so when I got a call, I had to check if it was April 1st. I didn’t really believe it at first,” Doncic said. “It was a big shock. It was hard moments for me. It was home.”

Now Doncic has a new home, and he’s preparing to embrace life as a Laker, which includes putting up his first Instagram post holding up the franchise’s iconic jersey with his number 77 on it.

“Excited for the new journey!” Doncic wrote in the caption.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Luka Doncic (@lukadoncic)

Los Angeles general manager Rob Pelinka, who used a longstanding friendship with his Mavericks counterpart Nico Harrison to swing the monumental trade, called Doncic joining the Lakers a “seismic event in NBA history”

“I think Luka Doncic joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history.” Pelinka said. “… We have a 25-year-old global superstar that is going to get on the stage of the most popular and influential basketball brand on the globe. And I think when those two powerful forces get together, it brings basketball joy to the world because that’s how Luka plays. He plays with joy.”

A five-time first-team All-NBA performer, Doncic is battling a calf strain, which has kept him out of action since Christmas.

DALLAS, TX – APRIL 22: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks on April 22, 2021 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Glenn James/Getty Images

However, the Lakers said he will participate in 5-on-5 work in practice Wednesday and appears close to making his return.

Heading into tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers are 28-19 and in fifth place in the Western Conference.

They are one game ahead of the sixth-place Clippers and 1.5 games back of the Denver Nuggets in fourth place.