Doncic also shut down rumors that have surfaced since the trade, including an unfounded claim from the Mavericks. Per ESPN's Tim McMahon, Dallas had 'major concerns' about his conditioning 'issues' and making a commitment to a supermax contract extension this summer.

On this glorious Lakers occasion, the introduction of the latest superstar addition to the franchise’s absurdly large, glittering-for-decades constellation, the most striking part was how rarely the man of the moment smiled.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic has altered the future of a franchise that had been trying to squeeze one more championship run out of 40-year-old LeBron James’ partnership with Anthony Davis.