Dirk Nowitzki 'Shocked' By Mavs' Luka Doncic Trade, 'Surreal' to Watch Lakers Debut
Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki was caught off guard by the team's decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
"I think I was as shocked and surprised as anyone was," Nowitzki said during an appearance on 96.7 The Ticket (h/t Jon Machota of The Athletic).
"I really couldn’t believe it," he added.
The 14-time All-Star also detailed his experience watching Doncic make his Lakers debut.
"I felt I had to go out [for his first game with the Lakers] and support him," Nowitzki said, via Machota. "I wanted to be there for him. It was surreal to see him play for the Lakers. At the end of the day, I’ll never be a Lakers fan, but I’ll always be a Luka fan."
The Mavericks traded Doncic to Los Angeles on Feb. 2 as part of a three-team swap that also included the Utah Jazz. Dallas received star forward Anthony Davis, shooting guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers.
After Doncic made his first appearance in purple and gold, he was thankful that Nowitzki was in attendance.
“Great friend, always looked up to him, great mentor," Doncic said, per CBS Sports’ James Herbert. "So for him to show up, fly all the way from Dallas, was amazing, and I really, really appreciate it.”
Doncic blossomed into one of the association’s top offensive players with the Mavericks, averaging 28.6 points and 8.2 assists per game during his tenure with the organization. Dallas made the playoffs four times with the superstar forward, which included a 2024 NBA Finals appearance.
The news may have been especially shocking for Nowitzki, who spent his entire 21-year career with the Mavericks. He made 14 All-Star appearances during his time in Dallas and won a championship in 2011, sitting at No. 1 on the team's all-time scoring list.
Nowitzki was also teammates with Doncic during the 2018-19 season, his final year in the NBA before his retirement.
Dallas' decision to trade Doncic astonished fans and former players alike.
