Kristaps Porzingis Reacts to Lakers’ Blockbuster Trade of Former Teammate Luka Dončić
The NBA world was rocked when the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić, sending shockwaves across the league. Among those who took notice was Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis, who once shared the court with Dončić during their time together with the Dallas Mavericks.
Porzingis, now focused on helping the Celtics chase a championship, couldn’t ignore the magnitude of the trade. When asked about his reaction, he expressed both surprise and respect for his former teammate’s journey. “Luka is one of the best players in the league, and seeing him in a Lakers jersey is going to be different,” Porzingis said. “We had our ups and downs in Dallas, but there’s no denying his talent. He’s going to make a huge impact in L.A.”
The duo’s time in Dallas was filled with high expectations but ultimately ended with Porzingis being traded to the Washington Wizards after injuries and chemistry concerns limited their success. Despite that, there’s no bad blood between the two. Porzingis acknowledged Dončić’s growth since their time together and believes the Lakers will benefit from his elite playmaking and scoring ability.
“Luka’s game has evolved so much since we played together,” Porzingis added. “He was already a superstar back then, but now he’s on another level. The Lakers got a special player.”
As a key piece of the Celtics’ championship aspirations, Porzingis remained diplomatic about how the trade could impact Boston’s title chances. “Every year, the league gets tougher, and this move just adds another challenge. But we’re focused on what we need to do,” he said.
Porzingis’ reaction reflects a growing sentiment across the NBA—Dončić’s arrival in Los Angeles could shift the balance of power in the Western Conference. While Celtics fans are more concerned with their own team’s pursuit of Banner 18, there’s no denying that the Lakers’ latest move will be closely watched by players and fans alike.
As for Porzingis and Dončić, their days as teammates are long past, but their paths may still cross on the biggest stage—the NBA Finals. If both teams live up to expectations, a Celtics-Lakers showdown featuring two former Mavericks could be one of the most electrifying matchups in recent history.