Dirk Nowitzki shared his feelings about the trade involving Luka Doncic, expressing that he felt disappointed and sad for Luka after the move from the Mavericks. During an appearance at Ticketstock, a listener event hosted by Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket, Nowitzki discussed his reaction to the trade, his decision to attend Luka’s Lakers debut in Los Angeles, and his thoughts on the Mavs’ future without Luka.
Nowitzki recalled that he was on vacation in the Maldives when he first heard the news of the trade. His phone started blowing up, and after checking social media, he found himself as shocked as everyone else. He spent the next hour confirming the news, still in disbelief. After returning home, he reached out to Luka and expressed his disappointment for him, noting that Luka hadn’t seen the trade coming. Luka invited him to his first game with the Lakers, and Nowitzki felt compelled to show his support. He emphasized his bond with Luka, mentioning their close relationship and his efforts to mentor him over the years. Though he will never be a Lakers fan, Nowitzki said he will always be a fan of Luka and felt it was important to be there for him during this new chapter in his career.
Reflecting on Luka’s situation, Nowitzki believes that Luka is now looking forward to the opportunity with the Lakers, understanding that he is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. As for the Mavs, Nowitzki is optimistic about the team’s potential, particularly if they stay healthy. He spoke highly of Anthony Davis and Max Christie, both of whom are part of the trade, praising their skills and versatility. Nowitzki also gave a shout-out to Jason Kidd for doing a great job with the team, especially given the injuries they’ve faced. He hopes the Mavs can stay healthy and build on their recent success, pushing for a strong finish to the season.
