To the surprise of many, Luka Doncic is officially a Los Angeles Laker.
The Dallas Mavericks traded the 25-year-old Doncic to the Lakers overnight, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz were the third team involved in the blockbuster, but received a much more modest haul.
As Mavericks fans mourn and Lakers fans rejoice, Doncic shared a message to the latter group on X/Twitter in response to LA officially introducing him.
“Grateful for this amazing opportunity. 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,” Doncic wrote.
In a lengthier statement released a short time ago, Doncic addressed the heartbroken Dallas fan base, thanking them for their longtime support.
“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,” he said. “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,” he added. “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.”
#MFFL pic.twitter.com/qVMcV2uh5m
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) February 2, 2025
That sounds you hear is the collective city of Dallas crying in despair. The Mavericks really did a number on their fanbase with this move.
“I’m sorry they are frustrated,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said to The Athletic‘s Christian Clark. “It’s something we believe in as an organization that’s going to make us better. We believed it sets us up to win not only now but in the future. And when we win, I believe the frustration will go away.”
We’re not so sure about that.
Related: Luka Doncic’s Dad Is Not Happy With The Blockbuster Trade