Former Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić broke his silence hours after being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday (February 1) night in a statement addressed to Mavericks fans entitled "Dear Dallas" shared on his social media accounts Sunday (February 2).
Dončić, 25, a native of Slovenia, spent his entire career with the Mavericks after being selected at No. 3 overall by the Atlanta Hawks and swapped for the draft rights to Trae Young and a protected future 2019 first-round pick during the night of the 2018 NBA Draft and is just months removed from leading Dallas to a Western Conference championship and NBA Finals appearance.
"Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level," Dončić said. "I thought I'd spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home. In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most.
"To all the organizations I've worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who needed it. As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.
"Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
Dončić, who hasn't played since December 25, is widely regarded as one of the NBA's best players. The Slovenian native averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 22 games.