The shock factor hasn’t diminished in the more than 48 hours since the Mavericks dealt Luka Doncic to the Lakers. As soon as the move was made, a few players shared their thoughts on X. Interviews conducted after the game asked others what they thought of the action. The latter is true of Nikola Jokic.
Speaking to the media following the Nuggets’ 125-113 victory over the Pelicans, Jokic was questioned about the Mavs’ trade of Luka Doncic.
Jokic answered: “I texted him,”
“He felt, he didn’t expect it, of course. I think he just needs to be with his family right now, it’s a big move,”
Nikola Jokic reminds everyone after Luka Doncic trade that it’s just “Business”
Jokic reminded everyone that the NBA is a business while discussing its harsh realities. Regardless of the NBA’s size, there have always been players who are regarded as “untouchable,” and Luka Doncic was on that list until Saturday.
“Nobody expected, especially not him[Luka Doncic]. I think nobody is safe in the league.”
Jokic talked about how he believes the 25-year-old would be perfectly happy in Los Angeles after expressing the surprise that Luka and the rest of the league experienced.
Nikola Jokic says he texted with Luka Doncic after the trade to the Lakers:
“I think nobody is safe in the league.” pic.twitter.com/vmzyWs8QYA
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 4, 2025
The deep friendship between Doncic and Jokic is admirable, and it’s clear that the Serbian thinks his friend would succeed in his new business. LeBron James is getting close to retirement, and the Lakers needed a player like Doncic to take over his role.
