Luka Doncic 'Mentally Kind of Exhausted' From NBA Season After Lakers Trade from Mavs

Luka Dončić said after the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round elimination that his February trade from the Dallas Mavericks took a mental toll on him this season.

"I'm mentally kind of exhausted for everything that happened," Dončić said at the 2:45 mark of his press conference following the Lakers' elimination loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. "I know a lot of people won't believe me, but I am.

"I think now it's time to process everything."

Dončić's first postseason with the Lakers ended on April 30 with a 103-96 Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves in Los Angeles.

That wasn't the only time Dončić has mentioned the mental impact of the Mavericks' trade.

Although a recent report from ESPN's Tim MacMahon indicated the relationship between Dončić's camp and the Mavericks had been deteriorating for a year and a half prior to the Feb. 2 trade, the star guard has said several times that he was shocked by the deal.

On March 20, a month and a half after his trade to the Lakers, Dončić told reporters, "Dallas was my home for seven years, almost seven years. It really felt like home. So just coming here, trying to build a new home, and I'm getting more and more comfortable."

Around the time of his emotional reaction to the Mavericks' tribute during his April 9 return to Dallas, Dončić told MacMahon, "I know it's been two months or something, but still adapting a little bit. It was a big change. But it's getting better."

How Dončić feels about his short tenure in Los Angeles could influence his future with the Lakers. He will be eligible to sign a deal worth up to four years and $230 million with the franchise starting Aug. 2.

"I didn't think it yet," Dončić said when asked about a potential extension immediately after the elimination loss to the Timberwolves. "I've been focused on basketball. Obviously, this is the time, now to think about everything."

When asked about his overall impression of the Lakers, Dončić said, "It's been great. The way the fans accepted me, it's been amazing. The community accepted me has been amazing. I'm really glad that I'm here. I had a great couple of months.

"Was trying to learn about everything, about the city, about the things. So just trying to process everything."

The Lakers must now wait for his decision, as well as for LeBron James' decision regarding his 2025-26 player option, before planning for the long-term future of the franchise.