Luka Doncic penned a farewell letter to Dallas Mavericks followers on Sunday, hours after the group traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster that shook the NBA world.
The Lakers acquired Doncic and Maxi Kleber in a deal for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a draft choose. The Utah Jazz had been additionally concerned within the deal.
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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives towards Los Angeles Lakers ahead Anthony Davis (3) in the course of the first half of an NBA basketball sport in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Picture/LM Otero, File)
Doncic is a five-time All-Star and five-time First Group All-NBA. He’s averaging 28.1 factors per sport.
He was the face of the Mavericks because the group acquired him within the NBA Draft from the Atlanta Hawks. The 25-year-old is among the many up-and-coming stars who’re anticipated to be the face of the league – if not already are. It’s why the commerce itself was extremely gorgeous.
Doncic thanked the followers for his or her help. He made no point out of the group itself.
“Seven years in the past, I got here right here as a youngster to pursue my dream of taking part in basketball on the highest stage,” Doncic wrote. “I assumed I’d spend my profession right here and I wished so badly to carry you a championship. The love and help you all have given me is greater than I may have ever dreamed of. For a younger child from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the primary time, you made North Texas really feel like residence.
CHIEFS’ PATRICK MAHOMES ‘SICK’ OVER MAVERICKS’ LUKA DONCIC TRADE
Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates along with his father, Sasa, after a 124-103 victory towards the Minnesota Timberwolves in Recreation 5 of the Western Convention Finals at Goal Heart on Might 30, 2024, in Minneapolis. (David Berding/Getty Pictures)
“In good occasions and dangerous, from accidents to the NBA Finals, your help by no means modified. Thanks not just for sharing my pleasure in our greatest recollections, but additionally lifting met up once I wanted it most.
“To all of the organizations I’ve labored with all through the Dallas group, thanks for letting me contribute to your essential work and be part of you in bringing mild to those that want it. As I begin the subsequent a part of my basketball journey, I’m leaving a metropolis that can all the time really feel like a house away from residence.
“Dallas is a particular place, and Mavs followers are particular followers.
“Thanks, from the underside of my coronary heart.”
Doncic will now group up with LeBron James and the Lakers as they pursue one other NBA championship.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) within the first half of an NBA basketball sport on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Picture/Emil T. Lippe)
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“Grateful for this wonderful alternative,” he added in a submit to his Instagram Tales. “Basketball means every part to me, and regardless of the place I play the sport, I’ll accomplish that with the identical pleasure ardour and objective – to win championships.”
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