Jazz GM Reacts to Taking Part in Luka Doncic Trade to Lakers

Utah swooped in and grabbed some draft equity in the deal.
Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA;  Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) during the second quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) during the second quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images / Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Los Angeles Lakers rocked the NBA world two weeks ago, when they pulled off a blockbuster three-team trade for five-time All-NBA guard Luka Doncic, plus veteran reserve big men Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber. In exchange, they offloaded 10-time All-Star center Anthony Davis, who's six years Doncic's senior at age 31, 3-and-D swingman Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Both teams dealt away some future draft equity to the Utah Jazz.

In the midst of the Jazz's surprise 131-119 Wednesday victory against the Lakers, Utah general manager Justin Zanik echoed L.A. general manager and team vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka's press conference statement that the club's trade acquisition for Doncic from the Mavericks was a boon for the Lakers, as Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal writes.

“Rob Pelinka even said it in his press conference introducing Luka, that it was a gift,” Zanik said. “I think that’s how a lot of my colleagues – I don’t want to speak for them – but how we all kind of felt.”

More Los Angeles Lakers: Lakers Buyout Target Abandons NBA for EuroLeague

As has been its custom since Danny Ainge joined Utah's front office, the team swooped in and grabbed some future draft equity in the deal, adding Dallas' 2025 second-round pick and the L.A. Clippers 2025 second-rounder via the Lakers. The Jazz have acquired six future draft picks, some with minor protections, in trades through 2031, plus one pick swap.

More Los Angeles Lakers: Lakers Center Jaxson Hayes Out for Second Half of Jazz Game with Face Injury

In his two games so far for Los Angeles, both against the Jazz, the 6-foot-6 guard is averaging 15.0 points on .407/.267/.500 shooting splits, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.5 blocks and 0.5 steals. He is playing under a minutes limit as he recuperates from a calf strain, and has not been permitted to suit up for more than 24 minutes in either bout. The Lakers have gone 1-1 in those bouts.

On the year, Doncic is averaging 27.0 points on .460/.348/.753 shooting splits, 8.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.9 steals through his 24 healthy games.

More Los Angeles Lakers:

Mavericks Fans Ejected from Dallas Game for Protesting Luka Doncic Trade to Lakers

Mavericks Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki Explains Decision to Attend Luka Doncic's Lakers Debut

For the latest Los Angeles Lakers news and notes, stay glued to Los Angeles Lakers On SI.


Published |Modified
Alex Kirschenbaum
ALEX KIRSCHENBAUM

Basketball is Alex's favorite sport, he likes the way they dribble up and down the court.