Luka Doncic breaks silence after LA Lakers trade as Dallas Mavericks fans protest outside arena against owners
Hours after the historic trade that saw him join the Los Angeles Lakers, LUKA Doncic sent a message to Dallas Mavericks supporters.
The NBA community was rocked by the move, and Mavericks supporters were not pleased.
The Lakers exchanged 10-time All-Star power big Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a draft pick for the five-team All-NBA First Take guard Doncic and Maxi Kleber.
The trade also included the Utah Jazz.
Since the Mavericks acquired Doncic from the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA Draft, he has served as the team’s spokesperson.
The 25-year-old did not mention the Dallas squad when he thanked the supporters on Sunday for their support.
Read More on NBA
NBA make suspension punishment decision after Pistons star’s flagrant fouls
LeBron James shows true colors after son Bronny faces LA Lakers criticism
Doncic posted on social media, “I came here as a teenager seven years ago to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level.”
“I genuinely wanted to win a title for you because I felt like I had spent my entire career here.
“I could never have imagined the amount of love and support I have received from all of you.
“For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home.”
“Your support has remained constant during both good and bad times, from injuries to the NBA Finals.
“Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments but also for lifting me up when I needed it most.”
After that, Doncic expressed gratitude to the “organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community.”
“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,” he said.
“Mavs supporters are unique, and Dallas is a unique location. I truly appreciate it. Thank you.”
Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals the previous season and an appearance in the Western Conference Finals the year before. How are the team’s supporters reacting to his trade?
A group of Mavs supporters demonstrated against the team’s owner and front staff, especially general manager Nico Harrison, who has been the target of the criticism, on Sunday afternoon at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
As other fans carrying a blue casket to the steps in front of the arena while wearing black suits, they were also staging a fictitious funeral.
Doncic shirts, jerseys, and other apparel were spread out.
As a Dallas News video played Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” over a speaker, one of the fans carrying the casket yelled, “Why?!” toward the sky.
The Mavericks have “major concerns” about Doncic’s health and the upcoming possible supermax contract extension, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Doncic has averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 22 games with the Mavericks this season despite missing more than a month due to a calf injury.
In Dallas and around the world, he was incredibly popular.
Despite being sidelined for nearly half of the season, Doncic’s No. 77 Mavs jersey was the eighth-best-selling item on the NBA’s online store in the first half of the season.
When the Lakers release his new jerseys, his sales will probably skyrocket.
LeBron James and the Lakers, who are 28-19 and the sixth seed in the Western Conference, will now be Doncic’s teammates.
Read More on The US Sun
Real reason Sabrina Carpenter’s Grammys performance filled with ‘tech faults’
Moment Canadians BOO US anthem at NHL & NBA games after Trump tariffs
Doncic said, “Grateful for this amazing opportunity,” in a different social media post that included a comment from the Lakers’ account welcoming him to Los Angeles.
“Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I ll do so with the same joy, passion and goal to win championships.”