In a stunning move that’s shaken up the NBA, Luka Doncic is heading to the Lakers in what might be the biggest trade of the year. The Mavericks are getting Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick in return.
Doncic, just 25, took to social media Sunday to say goodbye to the city he’s called home since he was a teenager.
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level,” he wrote. “I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship.”
It’s been quite a journey for the Slovenian superstar. He arrived in Dallas as an unknown 18-year-old kid and turned into one of the NBA’s most electric players.
“For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home,” Doncic shared in his heartfelt message.
He didn’t forget about the fans who stuck with him through everything.
“In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed,” he wrote. “Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best memories, but also lifting me up when I needed it most.”
The trade caught many by surprise, but Mavericks GM Nico Harrison says they had their reasons.
“There’s other teams that were loading up,” Harrison explained at Sunday’s press conference. “He was going to be able to make his own decision at some point of whether he wants to be here or not.”
Harrison pointed to the upcoming summer as a key factor. With Doncic eligible for a supermax contract and able to opt out, the Mavs decided to make their move first.
“We had to take all that into consideration and I feel like we got out in front of what could have been a tumultuous summer,” he said.
Doncic also made sure to highlight his community work in Dallas, showing it wasn’t just about basketball.
“To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work,” he wrote. “As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.”
