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[Saba Sports News] On Sunday, Luka Doncic shared an emotional message with Dallas Mavericks fans after being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a heartfelt social media post, Doncic expressed his gratitude to Mavericks supporters and admitted he had envisioned spending his entire career in Dallas.
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level,” Doncic wrote. “I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you 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.”
“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.”
Doncic never got the chance to properly say goodbye to Mavericks fans, as the trade caught both him and everyone involved off guard. However, he will have an opportunity to return when the Lakers visit Dallas on April 9.
Having spent the first six-plus seasons of his career in Dallas, all signs indicate that the trade was initiated by the Mavericks rather than Doncic himself. Mavs fans have already voiced their frustration over the move, and Doncic’s statement about wanting to stay in Dallas will only add to their disappointment.