Luka Doncic honors icon Kobe Bryant at Lakers unveiling… but insists he thought he would never leave Dallas

The newest Los Angeles Laker felt obliged to honor a franchise icon on his first day with the team.

‘I just wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this moment,’ Luka Doncic said of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna, who were lost along with seven others in the tragic 2020 helicopter crash in Southern California.

Doncic’s introductory message struck the right note with Lakers fans, who have immortalized both Kobe and Gianna.

‘Kobe would’ve been happy to see this guy in purple and gold,’ one fan wrote, referring to the Lakers color scheme.

Doncic is arriving in Los Angeles after Saturday night’s blockbuster three-team deal that is sending the 25-year-old Slovenian superstar to the Lakers. Power forward Anthony Davis is going to the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic’s former team, along guard Max Christie and a future first-round pick. Meanwhile the Utah Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers, the LA Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick and the Mavs’ 2025 second-round selection. 

The deal was a shock to just about everyone from LeBron James and Lakers coaches, to dumbfounded Mavs fans, and even Doncic himself. The 6-foot-7 point guard reportedly purchased a $15 million Texas home recently, and admitted on Tuesday he never envisioned leaving Dallas. 

Doncic appears with his new coach – and former Mavs teammate – JJ Redick on Tuesday

Luka Doncic and Kobe Bryant chat after a 2019 game in LA shortly before the tragic crash 

Bryant and daughter Gianna were both honored by Doncic at his Lakers unveiling on Tuesday 

‘I thought I was gonna stay my whole career there,’ Doncic said Tuesday. ‘Loyalty is a big word for me… But I got the ocean here. I get to play for the Lakers. Not many get to say that.

‘It was a big shock,’ Doncic added. ‘It was hard moments for me. I had to check if it was April 1 [April Fool’s Day]. … [But now] I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I’m excited for this new journey.’ 

As for when Doncic will make his Lakers debut, the All-Star remains hampered by a calf issue. 

Speaking to reporters in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said the team will work with Doncic’s personal trainers and marketing staff to ensure he returns to the court safely. 

‘We have five on five scheduled tomorrow for Luka,’ Pelinka said. ‘We’re gonna take it one day at a time.’

Doncic was also asked about playing for Lakers coach JJ Redick, a one-time teammate of his on the Mavericks… and a former podcast host.

‘You don’t see me going podcasts,’ Doncic said. ‘I went on his podcast twice, so you know how much respect I have for him. So I’m really excited that I can play for him.’

Redick hosted the popular show, Old Man and the Three, prior to becoming the Lakers head coach before the 2024-25 season. 

Doncic was reportedly pushing 270 pounds when Mavs general manager Nico Harrison ended talks on a $345 million extension with the franchise cornerstone to pursue Saturday night’s historic trade.

Officially, though, it was concerns over Doncic’s defense – and not his conditioning – that prompted Harrison to swap the offensive wizard. 

Doncic speaks during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on Tuesday 

Doncic was met with a full house of reporters on Tuesday at his introductory press conference

‘I believe that defense wins championships,’ Mavs general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon , who was first to report Doncic’s 270-pound heft. ‘I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.’

Doncic did not push for a trade, according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein . Rather, Stein reports, the two sides were headed towards that five-year, $345 million extension until Saturday. And as sources have since revealed to MacMahon, the Mavs ‘had major concerns about moving forward with Luka Doncic due to his constant conditioning issues.’

Unfortunately for Doncic, he’s no longer eligible for that extension, according to former Brooklyn Nets assistant general manager and current ESPN salary cap analyst Bobby Marks. What’s more, Doncic and his $43 million salary now go from Texas, where there is no state income tax, to California , where rates can go as high as 12.3 percent. For now, he remains signed through the 2025-26 season and has a player option for 2026-27.

Neither Doncic’s agency nor the Mavericks responded to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.