Imagine being traded to the Lakers, and your first reaction is sadness. That’s exactly what Jeanie Buss witnessed from Luka Doncic! But there’s a deeper, more poignant reason behind his initial despair, one that intertwines with a beloved Lakers legend. You won’t believe the emotional story behind this shocking trade. What do you think would make a player sad about joining such an iconic team?

The landscape of professional basketball, often characterized by jubilation surrounding high-profile trades, recently witnessed a remarkably nuanced emotional response when superstar Luka Doncic joined the illustrious Los Angeles Lakers. Far from the anticipated excitement, Lakers executive Jeanie Buss recounted a profound sense of sadness emanating from Doncic, a reaction that stood in stark contrast to what she had come to expect from players joining the storied franchise.

Buss expressed her astonishment at the unexpected turn of events, noting the clandestine nature of the NBA trade, which caught even Doncic off guard. “It was such a surprise, nobody knew, it was a secret. Nobody knew the trade was going to happen,” Buss revealed. “I knew, but he didn’t know. I’ve never had a player come to the Lakers and be as sad as he was. The trade was a huge surprise to him, so he had to process what happened.” This candid admission offers a rare glimpse into the personal impact of professional sports decisions.

Doncic, who had envisioned a career-long tenure with his former team, found himself grappling with a sudden and seismic shift in his professional life. His deep-seated loyalty and connection to his previous franchise made the transition exceptionally difficult, requiring a significant period of adjustment to fully embrace his new surroundings in Los Angeles. The initial sadness underscored the personal attachments players often form within their teams and communities, a human element often overlooked amidst the excitement of NBA trade news.

Despite Doncic’s initial reluctance, Jeanie Buss harbored a strong conviction that the Slovenian sensation was destined for the Lakers, primarily due to a poignant connection to the late Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant. Buss recounted a particularly touching memory: “With Luka, the last time I saw Kobe Bryant alive was when he brought his daughter Gianna to the Lakers game to see Luka play, because Luka was Gianna’s favorite player.” This profound link, she believed, predestined Doncic’s eventual arrival.

The game Buss referenced took place on December 29, 2019, just weeks before the tragic passing of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. The iconic father-daughter duo sat courtside at what was then Staples Center, watching Luka Doncic display his burgeoning talent with 19 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. The Lakers ultimately secured the victory, and critically, Kobe engaged in a private conversation with Doncic after the final buzzer, a moment that forged an indelible, if then unseen, connection between the two stars.

Years later, with the opportunity to acquire Doncic presenting itself, Jeanie Buss felt compelled to act, seeing it as more than just a strategic acquisition but a continuation of a legacy. Even though the trade necessitated giving up a significant asset, the profound connection through Kobe and Gianna solidified Buss’s resolve, leaving her with no regrets despite the high price. This decision highlights the blend of strategic planning and emotional resonance that can drive major franchise moves, often fueled by basketball rumors and behind-the-scenes dealings.

For Luka Doncic, overcoming the emotional hurdle of leaving his former team was a journey. The initial allure of the Los Angeles Lakers, while powerful, could not immediately override his deep attachment. It took several weeks for him to fully process the trade, accept his new reality, and wholeheartedly commit to donning the purple and gold. This personal evolution is a testament to the complex psychology of athletes facing career-altering decisions, particularly within the intense spotlight of the NBA.

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the league anticipates Luka Doncic’s first full season as a Los Angeles Laker. Jeanie Buss, along with the passionate Lakers fanbase, looks forward to witnessing firsthand the captivating talent that captivated Kobe and Gianna years prior. At just 26 years old, Doncic’s career with the Lakers is just beginning, and he is now fully committed to forging his own legacy, with his loyalty firmly planted in Los Angeles, echoing the enduring spirit of Kobe Bryant and the rich history of the Los Angeles Lakers.