LOS ANGELES, CA — In a headline-grabbing development that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have made a surprising announcement regarding Luka Dončić, just ahead of their highly anticipated preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Lakers confirmed that Luka Dončić will be joining the team in a special capacity during the preseason — not as a trade acquisition (yet), but as part of a global marketing and training collaboration between the NBA, the Lakers, and Dončić’s international brand team.
Though Dončić remains officially a member of the Dallas Mavericks, his presence in Los Angeles and direct involvement with the Lakers this week is turning heads — and fueling speculation about his long-term future in the league.
According to a press release from the Lakers front office, Dončić will be participating in a joint training and community event with the Lakers’ roster and coaching staff in Los Angeles, scheduled the day before the team’s preseason tilt with the Suns.
The event, called “Courts Without Borders,” is part of an NBA initiative aimed at expanding international player branding and training collaboration across teams and cities. Dončić was selected as one of the global ambassadors due to his rising global profile and popularity across European and U.S. markets.
Dončić is expected to join the Lakers during their open practice session at Crypto.com Arena, interact with players, and participate in media and youth outreach programs, but he will not be suiting up or playing in the preseason game itself
While the official narrative is that Dončić’s visit is part of a league-sponsored event, the announcement has reignited speculation about a possible blockbuster trade in the future — particularly as rumors continue to swirl about Dončić’s long-term happiness in Dallas.
Lakers fans on social media wasted no time reading between the lines. With LeBron James entering the twilight of his career and the Lakers looking to build their next championship core, many believe Dončić could be an ideal centerpiece for a post-LeBron Lakers era.
It’s worth noting that Dončić is under contract with the Mavericks through the 2026–2027 season, but that hasn’t stopped stars in the past from orchestrating moves to new destinations.
NBA insiders have previously reported that Dončić has voiced some frustration with the Mavericks’ lack of postseason success and roster construction — despite putting up historic individual numbers season after season.
When asked about the collaboration with the Lakers, Dončić spoke highly of the franchise.
While he downplayed trade rumors, Dončić did not directly address questions about his future in Dallas — which only added fuel to the speculative fire.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will face off against the Phoenix Suns in their third preseason game on Wednesday night. The game is expected to feature appearances by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, depending on player rest decisions.
With Dončić in the building and an added buzz in the air, the exhibition matchup suddenly feels much more like a marquee regular-season showdown.
Head coach Darvin Ham emphasized that while the media attention may be on Dončić, the Lakers are focused on fine-tuning rotations and building chemistry before the regular season begins.
Whether this collaboration is truly just about NBA outreach or a subtle preview of future possibilities remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Luka Dončić in Los Angeles has the attention of the basketball world.
As the preseason continues and teams prepare for the long grind of the regular season, all eyes will remain on the Mavericks’ superstar and whether his future might one day include donning the iconic purple and gold.