Reactions to the blockbuster commerce sending Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers remains to be reverberating across the basketball universe. Nobody noticed it coming.
Not even Dončić himself. The five-time all-star took the time to place his feelings into phrases in a considerate assertion posted on social media. In it, Dončić reminisced about coming to Dallas as a youngster to pursue his dream, waxing poetically to Dallas Mavericks followers: “I assumed I’d spend my profession right here and I wished so badly to convey you a championship.”
Luka Dončić Bids Fond Farewell to Dallas Mavericks
Dončić is getting ready to make his Lakers’ debut someday earlier than the All-Star break, with longtime NBA author Marc Stein reporting it might come on Feb. 8 in opposition to the Indiana Pacers. He’ll put on his customary No. 77 for the Lakers.
Bear in mind, Dončić has been out with a strained calf muscle since Christmas Day.
Luka Doncic will certainly make the Lakers a championship-contending crew. He’ll take strain off of LeBron due to his scoring capability and playmaking and can make each Laker higher! LeBron James can be a optimistic affect on Luka, instructing him his championship mentality…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 3, 2025
Previous to suiting up for his new crew, Dončić wished to ship a message to his previous crew and let the followers in Dallas know the way a lot that metropolis meant to him. He wouldn’t be the individual and participant he’s with out all these early-life experiences.
The native of Slovenia wrote the next:
“Seven years in the past, I got here right here as a youngster to pursue my dream of enjoying basketball on the highest degree. I assumed I’d spend my profession right here and I wished so badly to convey you a championship.
“The love and help you all have given me is greater than I may have ever dreamed of. For a younger child from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the primary time, you made North Texas really feel like residence. In good occasions and dangerous, from accidents to the NBA Finals, your help by no means modified. Thanks not just for sharing my pleasure in our greatest moments, but additionally for lifting me up after I wanted it most.
“To all of the organizations I’ve labored with all through the Dallas neighborhood, thanks for letting me contribute to your vital work and be part of you in bringing gentle to those that want it. As I begin the subsequent a part of my basketball journey, I’m leaving a metropolis that can all the time really feel like a house away from residence.
“Dallas is a particular place, and Mavs followers are particular followers.
“Thanks, from the underside of my coronary heart.”
What Did Lakers Give up to Mavericks?
The timing of the blockbuster commerce was one factor, however the phrases of the deal appeared to boggle minds all through the NBA. The Lakers acquired one of many league’s finest gamers for pennies on the greenback.
Listed here are the main points on the finished commerce: Mavericks traded Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in change for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round choose.
Certain, Davis is a 10-time all-star and Olympic gold medalist. Certain, he stays a dominating expertise at a place of want in Dallas. But, the Lakers solely needed to give up one future first-round choose to amass Dončić.
“This deal materialized within the shadows … LeBron James had no thought this was coming. Anthony Davis had no thought this was coming. I’m advised Luka Doncic remains to be shocked about this commerce.”@ShamsCharania on the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic commerce between the Lakers and Mavericks pic.twitter.com/Hp4bL3UX2M
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2025
Everybody was shocked when the commerce was introduced. In response to Shams Charania, each groups had been working “within the shadows” on it. Not even Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was within the know.
“On the eleventh hour, so proper earlier than it was introduced,” Kidd mentioned when requested when he discovered in regards to the commerce at a press convention.
“It’s a little stunning, however like within the sense we’ve got to push ahead as a corporation. As a crew we’ve got a sport to play, and we’ve got to be execs about it. However we perceive what Luka has meant to the Mavericks, and we want him and his household the very best in L.A.”
