Dirk Nowitzki’s Emotional Reaction to Luka Doncic’s Trade to the Lakers

Dirk Nowitzki’s Emotional Reaction to Luka Doncic’s Trade to the Lakers

In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA community, the Dallas Mavericks traded their star player, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month. This blockbuster trade has left many fans and former players, including Basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki, in disbelief.

Dirk Nowitzki, who spent his entire 21-year NBA career with the Mavericks, expressed his surprise and disappointment over the trade during an interview with 96.7 The Ticket in Dallas. “I think I was as shocked and surprised as anyone was. … I really couldn’t believe it,” Nowitzki said, reflecting the sentiments of many Mavericks fans who saw Doncic as the future of the franchise.

Nowitzki, who has always been a mentor to Doncic, shared that he reached out to the young star shortly after the trade was announced. “Of course I felt a little disappointed and sad for him, you know. I think he obviously didn’t see this coming,” Nowitzki revealed. “So he invited me to come out to his first game in L.A. and I felt like I had to support him.”

It’s clear that the bond between Nowitzki and Doncic goes beyond the basketball court. “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,” Nowitzki added, highlighting the emotional toll the trade has taken on Doncic.

Doncic, who is only 25 years old, began his NBA career in the 2018-19 season, which coincidentally was Nowitzki’s final season. Since then, Doncic has become one of the league’s brightest stars, averaging 28.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 425 career games (all starts) with the Mavericks and now the Lakers.

The trade, which took place on February 2, saw the Lakers acquire not only Doncic but also Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. In return, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick.

The trade also involved the Utah Jazz, who helped facilitate the deal. The Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round draft pick via the LA Clippers from the Lakers. Additionally, Dallas sent a 2025 second-round selection to Utah.

For fans and analysts alike, this trade raises several questions about the future of the Mavericks and the impact Doncic will have on the Lakers. Will Doncic be able to replicate his success in Los Angeles? How will the Mavericks adjust to the loss of their star player? Only time will tell.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the NBA landscape has shifted dramatically, and the ripple effects of this trade will be felt for years to come. For Nowitzki, the trade is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the emotional connections that players and fans form with their teams.

• Dirk Nowitzki’s career stats: 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists across 1,522 games.
• Luka Doncic’s career stats: 28.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists in 425 games.
• Trade details: Lakers received Doncic, Kleber, Morris; Mavericks received Davis, Christie, 2029 first-round pick; Jazz received Hood-Schifino, 2025 second-round pick.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Doncic as he dons the purple and gold of the Lakers, and on the Mavericks as they navigate this new chapter in their franchise history.