NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki expressed his disappointment and sadness for Luka Doncic after being traded by the Dallas Mavericks. As a close friend and mentor to the 25-year-old superstar, Nowitzki felt conflicted about seeing Doncic leave.
Nowitzki joined Doncic at his Lakers debut and wanted to support him despite feeling disappointed in how the trade came about. He felt like he had played with Doncic in his last season and tried to mentor him before his departure.
The trade has been a shock to the NBA community, with many fans not accepting Dallas’s reasoning for letting go of Doncic. Nowitzki’s support for his former teammate is seen as a gesture of goodwill from one superstar to another.
Despite feeling “surreal” watching Doncic play for the Lakers, the trade meant more to Doncic than it did to Nowitzki. Doncic praised Nowitzki’s appearance at his debut, calling it an “amazing” experience.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/dirk-nowitzki-shares-first-reaction-to-mavericks-luka-doncic-trade-disappointed-and-sad-for-him-020827768.html