The City of Angels is known for it’s star power from Hollywood to its sports clubs, and both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Lakers have added significant superstars to their team in the last 14 months.
The Lakers made one of the most surprising trades in sports history when they acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade involving Anthony Davis. Also involved in the deal were Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
Just over one year ago, the Dodgers made the biggest signing in MLB history at the time by brining in Shohei Ohtani on a 10-year, $700 million deal.
Both players are among the top three at their respective sports, and Dodgers owner Magic Johnson compared the two moves on Twitter, also known as X:
Luka Doncic going to the Lakers is amazing for the NBA, just like Shohei Ohtani was when we signed him to the Dodgers! I want to congratulate Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka for bringing Luka Doncic to LA to play for our beloved Lakers!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 3, 2025
The Lakers acquired Donic after the 25-year-old spent the last six seasons in Dallas before being traded in his seventh season.
The point guard is a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA team member and the 2023-24 scoring champion. In addition, he led the Mavericks to the 2023-24 NBA Finals before losing to the Boston Celtics.
Ohtani spent the first six seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, winning the Rookie of the Year award, two American League MVP awards, two Silver Slugger Awards and three All-Star selections.
The 29-year-old never made the playoffs with the Angels, but led the Dodgers to the World Series in his first year with the club as the Lakers hope to find similar success with Doncic.
Los Angeles is now home to two of the best athletes in the world, and the city is no stranger to having some of the biggest stars in sports.
Luka Doncic Lakers debut
Doncic arrived earlier this week in L.A., but was not ready to hit the floor yet as he recovers from a calf injury he suffered back in December. Head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka both noted Doncic is considered day-to-day.
Doncic is now expected to make his debut for the Lakers on Monday against the Utah Jazz.
The game was picked up by ESPN is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN+ and Disney+. All ESPN games are also available to stream via the ESPN App.
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