Luka Doncic sends heartfelt message to Mavericks fans after move to LA Lakers

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Luka Doncic shared on Monday a heartfelt message to the Dallas Mavericks fans after his shocking trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.

“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," Doncic said on X.

"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.

"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," the 25-year-old said.

Seven years after being traded to the Mavericks during the 2018 NBA Draft, Doncic is on his way to the LA Lakers, joining LeBron James and the Lakers in a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the league.

The Lakers acquired five-time First Team All-NBA guard Luka Doncic, forward/center Maxi Kleber, and forward/center Markieff Morris from the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team trade.

In return, the Lakers sent forward Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a future first-round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks, while guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and a future second-round pick were sent to the Utah Jazz.

Doncic is one of three players in league history to garner five All-NBA First Team selections before age 26, joining Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan.

The Slovenian star has tallied 12,089 points, 3,655 rebounds, and 3,489 assists and is one of two players in NBA history to record at least 10,000 points, 3,000 rebounds, and 3,000 assists through their first 400 career games after Oscar Robertson.

He currently stands second all-time in triple-doubles by players aged 25 or younger with 80, trailing only Oscar, who racked up a record 117 triple-doubles.