Luka Doncic’s emotional farewell to Dallas and Mavericks fans

For the first time since the breaking news on Saturday night, Luka Doncic has released a statement in the wake of the blockbuster trade that will send him to Los Angeles.

Doncic: “I thought I’d spend my career here”

No one expected this to happen, and from what it sounds like Doncic was blindsided by the deal that was kept mostly in the dark both in Dallas and in LA. The deal sends Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Makieff Morris to the Lakers while the Mavs receive Anthony Davis, Max Christie and 2029 first round draft pick.

Luka released a memo in the moments on Sunday night, which came just moments after the Mavs got crushed by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first post-Luka game. In the message he said that he thought he was going to spend the rest of his career with the Mavs.

“I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” said the five time First-Team All NBA member just months after bringing the franchise to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.

He went on to pour out his love for not just the city, but the fans who have supported him since he was drafted by Dallas as a teenager. “The love and support you have all 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.”

Luka looking towards future in LA

Doncic now departs to LA where he will join LeBron James and the Lakers, but signed off saying “As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving the city that will always feel like a home away from home.”

The soon-to-be 26 year old then published his post in a Lakers jersey, with his new No. 77 in purple and gold writing, “Grateful for this amazing opportunity. 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.”