In his first comments since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, NBA superstar Luka Doncic wrote a letter of thanks to the Dallas Mavericks, their fans and the city of Dallas.
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level,” Doncic wrote in a post on X. “I thought I would spend my career here and I really wanted to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young man from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home.”
In one of the most surprising trades in league history, the Lakers acquired Doncic, as well as Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from the Dallas Mavericks for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round draft pick.
“Through the good times and the bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never wavered,” Doncic continued. “Thank you for not only sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting my spirits when I needed it most.”
Doncic, 25, is currently out with a calf injury, but has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game in 22 games with the Mavericks this season.
Doncic added: “To all the organizations I have worked with in the Dallas community, thank you for allowing me to contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those in need. As I begin the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.”
As part of the three-team deal, the Utah Jazz will acquire Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 second-round draft pick from the Los Angeles Clippers, and a 2025 second-round pick from the Mavericks to complete the trade.
The five-time All-Star said he was “grateful” for the opportunity to play in Los Angeles alongside LeBron James.
“Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play, I will do it with the same joy, passion and goal: winning championships,” Doncic said.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks had “major concerns” with Luka Doncic fitness and the impending supermax extension of his contract. Even with those concerns made public, it’s still a shocking decision by the organization — Doncic was on the All-NBA team for the past five years and was a five-time All-Star selection in a row before this season, when he was limited by injuries.
“Dallas is a special place and Mavs fans are special fans. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” Doncic posted.
While there is no timetable for Doncic’s return to the court, the Lakers are scheduled to play their crosstown rivals, the Clippers, on Tuesday at the Intuit Dome.
CREDITS:
Director: Alejandro Bernal
Text: Max Hackenbroich
