Jayson Tatum’s Icy Reaction to Luka Doncic Joining the Lakers Sparks Debate
Jayson Tatum loved the Los Angeles Lakers growing up as he idolized Kobe Bryant, but he doesn’t care too much about the franchise anymore. In his postgame press conference after the Boston Celtics’ 103-85 win over the Miami Heat on Monday, Tatum was asked what it would mean for kids to watch a star like Luka Doncic on the Lakers, the way he saw Bryant.
“I don’t know, I know a lot of kids watch the Celtics play,” Tatum said.
When the reporter stated it was a big change for the NBA, Tatum admitted it was, but added he is no longer that kid who used to watch the Lakers.
“Yeah, that was a big trade and a big change,” Tatum replied. “But I’m not a little kid anymore, so I don’t really watch the Lakers play. I’m a big Celtics fan.”
https://twitter.com/NoaDalzell/status/1889157134274699743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1889157134274699743%7Ctwgr%5Ed7e7cfbe748e2b1b2c9f8da66091b59c657cf30a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffadeawayworld.net%2Fnba%2Fboston-celtics%2Fjayson-tatum-gives-cold-response-what-means-luka-doncic-to-be-laker
The initial question did appear to strike a nerve with Tatum. It was a bit of an odd thing to ask as well and it’s not surprising that the Celtics star had a cold response to it.
Tatum is only focused on himself and the Celtics and they have rebounded after a rough stretch. They went 6-6 during a 12-game stretch in January and appeared to have lost their way a bit.
The Celtics needed to get their act together to avoid slipping down the standings and have done just that. They have won six of their last seven games now after beating the Heat and have improved to 38-16 on the season.
Tatum was the one who led the way against the Heat with 33 points (13-26 FG), eight rebounds, two assists, and a block. The five-time All-Star scored 20 of those 33 in the third quarter to put the Heat away for good on a night when the Celtics were without Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday. They needed their superstar to step up and he did so.
As for Doncic, he made his much-awaited debut for the Lakers on Monday against the Utah Jazz. The Slovenian recorded 14 points (5-14 FG), five rebounds, and four assists in what was his first game in over a month after he suffered a calf injury on Christmas. It will take a bit of time for Doncic to get up to speed and we might see him at his best when the Lakers take on the Celtics on March 8.
Jayson Tatum Wanted To Play For The Lakers Growing Up
While Tatum doesn’t care about the Lakers anymore, they were his team for the longest time. During an appearance on the Club 520 Podcast, Tatum stated he wanted to play for the Lakers but they had no interest in drafting him in 2017.
“I think it definitely worked out. I think the consensus is that Markelle was going No. 1, and when the Lakers got the second pick, it was like Lonzo was going 2… So, for me, I grew up as a Kobe fan,” Tatum said. “I always wanted to play for the Lakers. So for them to have the No. 2 pick and it wasn’t even a thought that I was gonna get drafted there, that was kinda devastating. I never worked out for the Lakers, they never came to watch me work out.”
The Lakers did select Lonzo Ball with the second pick and it meant Tatum fell into the Celtics’ lap. While he was disappointed that they had no interest in him, it did lead to him ending up in a better situation.
Tatum’s loyalties now lie firmly with the Celtics, and he is hoping to help them win back-to-back titles. For now, though, his focus would be on their next game against the San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden on Wednesday at 7 PM ET.
