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Unexpected news from paradise
Dirk Nowitzki was enjoying a tropical getaway with his family when he received the shocking news about Luka Doncic’s blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks legend, who spent his entire 21-season NBA career with Dallas, expressed his surprise during a recent appearance in Plano, Texas.
“When I saw the news, I was actually on the other side of the world, in the Maldives,” Nowitzki shared with 96.7 The Ticket. His phone was flooded with messages, and social media was buzzing with reactions, leaving him as stunned as the rest of the basketball community.
A mentor’s concern
In the wake of the trade, Nowitzki reached out to Doncic, who was feeling down about the situation. The two former teammates exchanged texts, with Doncic inviting Nowitzki to attend his first game in LA. “He was pretty down & disappointed on how it went down, so I wanted to be there for him,” Nowitzki explained.
This gesture highlights the strong bond they formed during Doncic’s rookie season, where Nowitzki played his final year in the league. The Hall of Famer felt a sense of responsibility to support Doncic as he embarks on this new chapter of his career.
Support from a distance
Nowitzki’s attendance at Doncic’s home debut with the Lakers against the Utah Jazz on February 10 was a testament to their relationship. “I felt like I had to support him,” he said. Despite the surreal experience of seeing Doncic in a Lakers uniform, Nowitzki made it clear that his loyalty lies with the Mavericks.
“At the end of the day, I’ll never be a Lakers fan, but I’ll always be a Luka fan,” he stated. This sentiment resonates with many fans who have followed Doncic’s journey and appreciate the mentorship Nowitzki has provided over the years.
Looking ahead
As the NBA landscape shifts with trades and player movements, the connection between veterans like Nowitzki and rising stars like Doncic remains crucial. Nowitzki’s willingness to support Doncic during this transition reflects the importance of mentorship in professional sports. As Doncic takes the court for the Lakers, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see how this new chapter unfolds for one of the league’s brightest talents.
