Dirk Nowitzki, the legendary former Mavs star, recently opened up about his reaction to the Luka Doncic trade and why he attended his debut with the Lakers in Los Angeles.
When the news of the trade broke, Nowitzki was shocked and surprised, as it came out of the blue. He was on vacation in the Maldives when his phone started blowing up with notifications about the deal. After confirming the news, Nowitzki felt a mix of emotions, including disappointment for Doncic, who didn’t see this coming.
Despite feeling sorry for Doncic, Nowitzki felt compelled to support him in his new chapter. The two had developed a close relationship over the years, with Nowitzki mentoring Doncic and trying to help him become the best player he could be. When Doncic invited Nowitzki to attend his first game with the Lakers, he didn’t hesitate.
Attending the game was an emotional experience for Nowitzki, as it marked a surreal moment watching one of his former protégés in a new team’s uniform. He expressed happiness and support for Doncic, wishing him well in his new journey with the Lakers.
Nowitzki also spoke about the current state of the Lakers’ roster, highlighting the talents of Anthony Davis and Max Christie. He praised AD’s versatility on both ends of the court and Christie’s ability to shoot and defend effectively. The key to the team’s success now lies in health, particularly with the numerous injuries that have plagued the team this season.
As for the Mavs’ future without Doncic, Nowitzki believes they still have a strong squad. If healthy, he thinks the team has the potential to be excellent. He expressed empathy towards players like AD and Max Christie who were affected by the trade, hoping they’ll continue to contribute positively to the new team.
Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2025/02/21/dirk-nowitzki-opens-up-on-his-reaction-to-mavericks-luka-doncic-deal-sad-for-him