Luka Dončić had no intention of ever leaving Dallas before trade to Lakers

Dončić (34) celebrates a win with teammates in March 2021.

When he first met with the media after being selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA draft three years ago, Dončić made it clear he wouldn’t be leaving Dallas any time soon.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Slovenian superstar has stayed true to his word, despite speculation about his future emerging as the Lakers looked to remake their roster following the trade of franchise star Anthony Davis.

“I love Dallas and I love being here,” Dončić said after reporting for his first training camp in 2018. “I have a chance to be a leader from the first day, from my first season. I don’t think I’m ready for [being traded].”

And despite not having a contract extension yet in place with the Mavericks, Dončić hasn’t changed his mind.

“I don’t think anyone from the first week [of being in the NBA] wanted to leave,” Dončić said after a game in Los Angeles against the Lakers on Tuesday. “It’s funny how things work.”

Dončić, who was held out of the end of the game against the Lakers with a sprained ankle, was greeted with a standing ovation from the Dallas crowd when he was shown on the arena’s big screen.

“I think that was for LeBron,” Dončić said with a smile. “It was funny when I got hurt, they were all cheering for me, and when I came back, they were cheering even more.”

As for the trade speculation, Dončić said he “honestly” doesn’t pay too much attention, and he’s happy in Dallas.

“I have zero control over it, so I can’t worry about it,” Dončić said. “I’m focusing on the guys that are here. I’m happy here. I have great teammates, great fans, and I’m excited for the future.”