Luka Doncic shared a heartfelt goodbye to the city of Dallas on Sunday, coinciding with the completion of a trade that saw him move from the Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for fellow All-NBA star Anthony Davis.
In a touching letter addressed to the city, Doncic expressed his strong desire to bring a championship title to Dallas, highlighting his belief that he would spend his entire career with the Mavericks. He reminisced about his journey, stating, “For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home.” He acknowledged the unwavering support of the fans, saying, “In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you for sharing my joy in our best moments and lifting me when I needed it most.”
Doncic enjoyed immense popularity during his time in Dallas, and his No. 77 jersey was ranked eighth among the top-selling items on NBAStore.com during the first half of the season. Following the trade announcement, some Doncic merchandise continued to be available on the Mavericks’ online store, but sales for his new Lakers gear are expected to surge.
In a separate social media post, Doncic expressed gratitude for the new opportunity in Los Angeles, sharing a message that emphasized his love for basketball. He stated, “Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I’ll do so with the same joy, passion, and goal — to win championships.” This reflects his commitment to performing at a high level, no matter the team he represents.
Beyond his on-court success, Doncic formed significant connections in Dallas through various charitable initiatives. He made substantial donations to several organizations in North Texas and facilitated the distribution of Jordan Brand sneakers to frontline workers during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The affection was reciprocated by the community. When Doncic guided Slovenia to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the Dallas County Commissioners declared July 6 of that year as “Luka Doncic Day,” commemorating his achievements both on the court and in the community.
In just 422 games, Doncic has established himself as one of the Mavericks’ all-time greats, ranking sixth in the team’s scoring history, second in three-pointers made behind Dirk Nowitzki, third in rebounds, and fifth in assists.
Concluding his farewell, Doncic expressed his gratitude toward the organizations he worked with in the Dallas area. He wrote, “Thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it.” He reflected on leaving a city that he will always view as a “home away from home,” noting the special nature of both Dallas and its passionate Mavericks fans.
