One of the most stunning moments in recent NBA history came when Luka Doncic was traded away from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal that shocked the basketball world. And Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki has shared his perspective on just how impactful that move was.
The trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers remains one of the league’s most surprising shake-ups, and Nowitzki still vividly recalls the day it happened. In a recent conversation with fellow NBA Hall of Famer and two-time MVP Steve Nash, Nowitzki opened up about the deal and the global reaction it generated.
“I agree. Nobody saw this coming,” Nowitzki said, via RCD Mallorca. “This was not just basketball news; this was world news. I was actually traveling somewhere, and this was all over TV, and I was surprised at how big the news was. It was a tough decision the club had to make.”
Doncic was dealt in February in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. For a player of Doncic’s caliber to be moved without requesting it is a rarity, and it left Nowitzki wrestling with his loyalty to both his longtime franchise and his support for the Slovenian star.
“In the NBA, there’s always stuff that surprises everybody, and it’s what keeps it interesting,” Nowitzki added. “Of course I want to support Luka, but I’m also a Maverick for life. This was a tough decision for me, but I obviously want to keep supporting both.”
Despite criticism over his conditioning, commitment, and fitness, Doncic continued to shine during his final 22 games in Dallas. Before the trade, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, shooting 46.4 percent from the field.
Doncic was expected to carry the torch from Nowitzki as the Mavericks’ next franchise cornerstone, but he never got the chance to finish what he started. While Nowitzki maintains his support for Dallas, it’s clear he disagrees with the bold decision made by general manager Nico Harrison. Judging by the fan backlash that followed, many in Dallas share his sentiment.
The Mavericks, however, have already turned the page. The revamped group in Dallas is determined to prove the trade was worth it and that they can compete for a championship without Doncic. Meanwhile, Luka will face pressure to silence doubts about his work ethic, and that effort is already underway in Los Angeles.
For the Lakers, the goal is straightforward: to become serious title contenders next season. The front office has built a roster designed to maximize Doncic’s playmaking while addressing last year’s shortcomings. With DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart set to play key roles, Los Angeles is banking on this new core to push them toward another championship run.