Reactions to the blockbuster trade sending Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers is still reverberating around the basketball universe. No one saw it coming.
Not even Dončić himself. The five-time all-star took the time to put his emotions into words in a thoughtful statement posted on social media. In it, Dončić reminisced about coming to Dallas as a teenager to pursue his dream, waxing poetically to Dallas Mavericks fans: “I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship.”
Luka Dončić Bids Fond Farewell to Dallas Mavericks
Dončić is preparing to make his Lakers’ debut sometime before the All-Star break, with longtime NBA writer Marc Stein reporting it may come on Feb. 8 against the Indiana Pacers. He will wear his customary No. 77 for the Lakers.
Remember, Dončić has been out with a strained calf muscle since Christmas Day.
Luka Doncic will definitely make the Lakers a championship-contending team. He’ll take pressure off of LeBron because of his scoring ability and playmaking and will make every Laker better! LeBron James will be a positive influence on Luka, teaching him his championship mentality…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 3, 2025
Prior to suiting up for his new team, Dončić wanted to send a message to his old team and let the fans in Dallas know how much that city meant to him. He wouldn’t be the person and player he is without all those early-life experiences.
The native of Slovenia wrote the following:
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level. I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly 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 kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home. In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most.
“To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it. 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.
“Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
What Did Lakers Surrender to Mavericks?
The timing of the blockbuster trade was one thing, but the terms of the deal seemed to boggle minds throughout the NBA. The Lakers got one of the league’s best players for pennies on the dollar.
Here are the details on the completed trade: Mavericks traded Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
Sure, Davis is a 10-time all-star and Olympic gold medalist. Sure, he remains a dominating talent at a position of need in Dallas. Yet, the Lakers only had to surrender one future first-round pick to acquire Dončić.
“This deal materialized in the shadows … LeBron James had no idea this was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea this was coming. I’m told Luka Doncic is still stunned about this trade.”@ShamsCharania on the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade between the Lakers and Mavericks pic.twitter.com/Hp4bL3UX2M
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2025
Everyone was stunned when the trade was announced. According to Shams Charania, both teams had been working “in the shadows” on it. Not even Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was in the know.
“At the 11th hour, so right before it was announced,” Kidd said when asked when he found out about the trade at a press conference.
“It is a little shocking, but like in the sense we have to push forward as an organization. As a team we have a game to play, and we have to be pros about it. But we understand what Luka has meant to the Mavericks, and we wish him and his family the best in L.A.”
