Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recalls ‘hard-learnt lesson’ as Luka Doncic moves to LA

SGA was in action during the OKC's 144-110 win over the Kings , where he finished with 29 points, six rebounds and nine assists.

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The NBA fraternity was taken by shock when they learnt that the Dallas Mavericks decided to trade superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for their big man Anthony Davis.

Since then, it has been legends and icons sharing their thoughts and disbelief on the jaw-dropping trade that came out of nowhere. Even Doncic, who badly wanted to win a championship with the Mavs, didn’t see it coming, but expressed his gratitude for all the love he received throughout the stay.

Doncic, who is currently out of action due to a calf-injury, was drafted in 2018 following three professional seasons in the EuroLeague. The 25-year-old is a five-time All-Star, five-time member of the All-NBA First Team. The 2019 Rookie of the Year also played an instrumental role in helping the side reach the NBA Finals last season.

The Slovenian, who grew up watching LeBron James, will now join forces with him in Los Angeles. Doncic played a total of 22 games this season, where he is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game.

As many pundits and current players weighed on the unexpected trade, Thunder star Shai Gilegous-Alexander also shared something which had to do with his own unexpected trade.

“Learned that lesson the hard way”-SGA on Luka Doncic Trade

Shai-Gilegous Alexander, an MVP frontrunner, reflected on the trade and said that he learned the lesson the hard way, referring to his own trade which sent him from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Thunder in his rookie season.

“I learned that lesson the hard way in my first year in the NBA. I got traded out of the blue. Didn’t see it coming,” SGA said.

“It doesn’t surprise me any more than myself getting traded a long time ago. I found out it was a business my first season. And no matter what, that will always stay with you.”

He also talked about how unpredictable things can get at times. As per SGA, “I always say no matter how untouchable you think you are, you never know. There’s always something like this.”

SGA on Luka being traded: “I learned that lesson the hard way in my first year in the NBA. I got traded out the blue. Didn’t see it coming. It doesn’t surprise me anymore than myself getting traded a long time ago. I found out it was a business my first season.” pic.twitter.com/iwObFuvc4K
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 2, 2025

Notably, the Thunder star is maintaining an excellent average of 32.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game this season. He was in action during the OKC’s 144-110 win over the Kings on Saturday, where he finished with 29 points, six rebounds and nine assists.

Luka Doncic

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.