Luka Doncic honors icon Kobe Bryant at Lakers unveiling... but insists he thought he would never leave Dallas
Luka Doncic honors icon Kobe Bryant at Lakers unveiling... but insists he thought he would never leave Dallas
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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.
![[Luka Doncic and Kobe Bryant chat after a 2019 game in LA shortly before the tragic crash]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/04/17/94856557-14360067-image-a-13_1738691199595.jpg)
'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.
![[Bryant and daughter Gianna were both honored by Doncic at his Lakers unveiling on Tuesday]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/04/17/94856379-14360067-image-a-14_1738691207685.jpg)
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 Reddick on Tuesday. Luka Doncic and Kobe Bryant chat after a 2019 game in LA shortly before the tragic crash.
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