Luka Doncic on one thing he doesn't like about Los Angeles

USA Today

02-06-2025

Luka Doncic on one thing he doesn't like about Los Angeles
After some initial shock following the trade that sent him from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Dončić seemed to adjust to his new surroundings. He played fairly well as a member of the Lakers, even though they exited the first round of the playoffs in five games, and he gave the franchise a new lease on life as far as hoping to compete for the NBA championship.
He can opt out of his contract and become a free agent next summer, but he may have given an indication that he wants to stay with the Lakers long term.
During an appearance on the latest episode of LeBron James' "Mind the Game" podcast, he did admit to co-host Steve Nash that there is one thing he dislikes about Los Angeles. However, it is a dislike that most Angelinos share with him.
"This is the first city I play in that has an ocean, and I really like the ocean," Doncic said. "First thing, I mean, after a couple days, that was the first thing on my mind, you know. It's a lot. I like it, I like it very much. The only thing is the traffic."
Obviously, Los Angeles is infamous for its traffic congestion, as well as its subpar public transportation. However, its many upsides greatly outweigh its transportation problems, especially when someone makes the type of money that Doncic makes.
His contract will pay him a hair under $46 million next season, and since he isn't eligible for a supermax contract yet, some expect him to sign a three-year extension fairly soon. That would allow him to then receive a supermax deal as soon as 2028, at which point he would've put in 10 years of NBA experience.