Following a stunning blockbuster trade overnight, point guard Luka Doncic has released a statement.
A little after midnight on Sunday, Doncic was part of a three-team trade that saw him get moved from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. Among other pieces, Dallas received star big man Anthony Davis.
The move sent a shockwave throughout the entire sports world and even took those involved in the trade by surprise.
As a result, Doncic released a letter addressing Mavericks fans after the deal.
‘Dear Dallas, seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level,’ the statement began.
‘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.
Luka Doncic has spoken out after a blockbuster trade sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers
In return, the Dallas Mavericks are receiving – among other pieces – big man Anthony Davis
‘For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the US 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. – Luka.’
After releasing that statement to Mavericks fans, Doncic then quote tweeted the official announcement from the Lakers saying he was joining their franchise.
‘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,’ his tweet said.
The full trade involves Doncic, forward Maxi Kleber, and forward Markieff Morris going from Dallas to Los Angeles.
The Mavericks are receiving Davis, guard Max Christie, and the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2029.
The trade appears to be designed by Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison (right)
As a third team in the deal, the Utah Jazz, acquired guard Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers and two 2025 second-round picks from the Mavericks (one of which belonged to the Los Angeles Clippers).
According to reports, Doncic was not trying to force his way out of Dallas – where he had played his entire career – and the Mavericks did this on their own accord.
In that regard, it appears that Dallas general manager Nico Harrison was the driving force behind the move. Others tied to the organization, like long time owner Mark Cuban, have distanced themselves from this trade.
‘I believe that defense wins championships,’ Harrison told ESPN concerning his motivation to trade Doncic for Davis.
‘I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.’
Dallas now has a more balanced roster in their backcourt. Instead of having to try and work out a structure to give time to Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, they can now run Irving and Thompson alongside Davis – one of the league’s top big-men.
But Los Angeles now gets the benefit of having a long-term strategy with Doncic coming over.
Doncic later tweeted that he was ‘grateful’ for the opportunity to play for the Lakers franchise
As LeBron James gets older, the Slovenian star will be able to seamlessly transition to becoming the face of the franchise.
Before becoming the GM of the Mavericks in 2021, Harrison was a long-time executive at Nike. There, he gained notoriety for botching a presentation trying to convince Stephen Curry to re-sign with the brand. Curry ended up signing with Under Armour.
In their first game after the trade, the Mavericks were blown apart by the Cleveland Cavaliers – losing 144-101.
At the time of publishing, the Lakers are the fifth best team in the Western Conference and are ten games back of the Thunder. Dallas is 13.5 games back of the Thunder and in ninth place.
