The impact of the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers continues to be felt, with fans from both teams adjusting to the surprising move.
Among those affected was Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, who attended Doncic’s first game as a Laker earlier this month. Speaking on 96.7 The Ticket on Friday, Nowitzki shared his reaction to the trade, revealing that he first heard the news while on vacation with his family in the Maldives. Like many others, he was shocked.
“I really couldn’t believe it,” Nowitzki admitted.
The former Mavericks star also discussed his conversation with Doncic after the trade, explaining that he wanted to offer support as the young guard navigated this new chapter in his career.
“We texted a bit, of course I felt a little disappointed and sad for him, you know, I think he obviously didn’t see this coming,” Nowitzki said. “So he invited me to come out to his first game in L.A., and I felt like I had to support him.
“I think he was—I mean it was reported that—he was pretty down and disappointed in how it went down, and so I wanted to be there for him, I wanted to be there for his family… I’m sure he wanted to finish his career like I did.”
Doncic, now three games into his Lakers tenure, has faced challenges adjusting, struggling with turnovers and finding his rhythm after returning from a calf injury. With a crucial matchup against the Mavericks next Tuesday, he’ll have a prime opportunity to silence skeptics in Dallas.
Regardless of how things unfold, Doncic can count on Nowitzki’s unwavering support.
“At the end of the day, I’ll never be a Lakers fan, but I’ll always be a Luka fan,” Nowitzki said.
