By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following numerous reactions with fans and players struggling to understand how Luka Doncic was suddenly traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Slovenian sensation bid farewell to his NBA home for the last seven years.
“Dear Dallas,” he headlined the message shared via a post on his personal X account on Sunday, “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. 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,” he addressed the fans.
“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,” he continued the emotional message, “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,” he added, “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
#MFFL pic.twitter.com/qVMcV2uh5m
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) February 2, 2025
In a separate post, linked to a post of the Lakers official X account, Doncic also welcomed his move to Los Angeles.
“Grateful for this amazing opportunity,” he wrote, “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.”