Five-time NBA All-Star Luka Doncic has penned a heartfelt message to fans of the Dallas Mavericks following the blockbuster trade that has sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers, Afrosport reports.
Doncic departs Dallas seven years after he was selected by the Mavericks with the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
He will team up with four-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time scoring leader LeBron James at the Crypto.com Arena, with 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis heading the other way.
Yes, it really happened. Welcome to Los Angeles, Luka. pic.twitter.com/XdlZZ5IfNo
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 2, 2025
In a letter that he posted on social media on Sunday with the caption “#MFFL”, meaning Mavs Fan for Life, the 25-year-old thanked the Dallas fans for their support through the years.
He wrote: “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.
“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. 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. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
#MFFL pic.twitter.com/qVMcV2uh5m
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) February 2, 2025
Doncic is currently recovering from a calf injury and last played for Dallas in a Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He departs the Mavericks with career averages of 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, while shooting 47% from the field, having led them to two Western Conference finals and one NBA Finals appearance.
Doncic, meanwhile, has the opportunity to face his former team on February 25 when the Mavericks visit the Crypto.com Arena to take on the Lakers.
