"Rob Pelinka really pump-faked a center trade" - NBA fans react as Luka Doncic approves Lakers GM's quick decision on Mark Williams trade

The Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles is just getting started. The Lakers are currently 4-1 since acquiring Luka from the Dallas Mavericks, with him suiting up in two of those games. While the Lakers roster isn't fully where they'd want it to be, it is not due to a lack of effort. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka attempted to solidify the Center position by trading for Charlotte Hornets Center Mark Williams.

Williams then failed his physical with the Lakers, and since it happened after the trade deadline, no adjustments could be made to the deal to make it go through. However, the Lakers' newly acquired superstar was reportedly impressed with the Lakers' effort to acquire a center at his request, even if the trade itself fell through. Fans took to X to share their reactions to the news:

"Pelinka really pump faked a center trade" one fan shared

"Don't get used to it buddy @luka7doncic" another fan posted

"He took the bait already" a fan commented

"He's just getting bailed out because all these GMs are coming to him lmao nothing to be impressed by" another fan said

Some fans even suggested that Pelinka might be trying harder to convince Doncic to resign and stay with the Lakers:

"LeBron and Anthony Davis have wanted a center for years and got no one" a fan posted

"Rob Pelinka and the Lakers are going to impress Luka Doncic so much that he will forget about the amateur hour Dallas Mavericks in no time. Nico Harrison and Patrick Dumont fumbled away an all-time great in his prime" one fan shared

"I think we were all shocked when we saw the Mark Williams notification come through. The Rob Pelinka making moves that week was not the same Pelinka that we've grown accustomed to" another fan posted

Doncic is under contract until the end of the 2026 season. However, he is eligible for an extension this off-season, which the Lakers hope to get signed. The ball is in Doncic's court on whether he wants to stay in LA or explore the open market in 2026.

Lakers Fans paint a new Luka Doncic and Kobe Bryant Mural in Los Angeles to honor their new superstar

Luka Doncic has only been a Los Angeles Laker for just over two weeks, but it's clear the city is rallying behind him. Before the Doncic trade, the Lakers' future had no solid direction. Now, by adding a 25-year-old superstar in Doncic, the Lakers' future is in the best spot it's been in the last couple of years.

Laker fans have welcomed Doncic with open arms as the next face of their franchise after LeBron James leaves or retires. Fans even took to the streets of Los Angeles to create a mural of Doncic and Lakers legend Kobe Bryant:

High praise for Doncic for having a city believe in him so much that they're already painting murals of him with arguably the greatest Laker ever. Luka Doncic will do his best to live up to the hype and give fans the same experiences and championships that Kobe Bryant did throughout his tenure.