Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal that stunned the basketball community. Fans unanimously believed that the decision was a disaster for the Dallas Mavericks and their general manager, Nico Harrison, and soon enough, it became apparent.
The five-time NBA All-Star was up against his former team on February 25 in a revenge game, and he didn’t miss the chance. The Slovenian star exploded with a triple-double, scoring 19 points, 12 assists, and 15 rebounds right before Harrison’s eyes, with the L.A. crowd cheering, “Thank You Nico.”
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving shared his feelings after playing against his former teammate for the first time after the trade.
Kyrie Irving Reflects on Dončić’s Impact and Their Lasting Connection
Speaking with the Dallas media after the game on Tuesday, the Mavs shooting guard showered his former teammate with praises.
“We went to Madrid, you know he started his preseason at Abu Dhabi which helped us a lot man when you are on the road, and you gotta know someone or family and introducing everybody to friends, and my dad was like very special because that’s where he played, and I got a chance to meet some of his friends, support system out there, I think I just carried over into the season…” Irving said.
“He was just great spirit coming into the last season and it’s easy to compliment him while having an MVP caliber season, I feel like if not deserving MVP, finishing second, same time he carried us a lot out of the way, where I was injured or hurt, you know he carrier the responsibility, so I think, for me respect there before we play together but then playing with him.
Irving further appreciated Dončić’s talent and character, emphasizing their strong bond. Irving noted the challenges Dončić faced adapting to the NBA and expressed his desire to support and protect him.
“He (Dončić) is an innocent kid, at the same time, just ultra-talented. The whole world is in front of him. You want to protect people like that, too, because I feel like sometimes people come at him crazy, which is unnecessary,” Irving said.
“He responds in his own ways, but he is not from America, not used to the degenerate culture here at times, especially when the narrative starts spinning, so my goal was just to protect him, man. That’s why it goes deeper than basketball. Been out a few times where our families are connected; you know this is one of those lifetime things for me. You know, I think he feels the same way.”
For the Mavs side, Irving was the lead scorer, putting 35 points on the scoreboard, including seven rebounds and four assists. However, it wasn’t enough to save the Mavs from the onslaught unleashed by their former point guard, Dončić, and Lakers all-time great LeBron James who scored 27 points.
In any case, Irving’s comments highlight the deep respect and friendship between the two players, despite now being on opposing teams. His appreciation for Dončić underscores the personal connections that extend beyond professional rivalries in the NBA.
