In the wake of Luka Dončić’s unexpected trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, several of his former teammates have shared their emotional reactions, shedding light on the profound impact of the move.
Kyrie Irving: “I Miss My Hermano”
Kyrie Irving, who developed a close bond with Dončić during their time together in Dallas, expressed deep sorrow over the trade. “Just really shocked,” Irving said. “You just don’t imagine you’re going to get ready to go to sleep and then you find out news like that. It’s still a grieving process right now. I miss my hermano” . Irving emphasized the emotional toll, noting that Dončić likely felt a sense of rejection, stating, “I don’t think he expected the change and I think that’s probably what leads to him feeling his emotions even more so in a deeper way” .
Quentin Grimes: “It Was Crazy”
Former Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes also weighed in on the trade, describing it as “crazy.” He highlighted the shock among fans and players alike, stating, “You feel for the Dallas fans because Luka is a mega star worldwide. It was crazy seeing him getting traded” .
Luka Dončić: “Mentally Exhausted”
Dončić himself has been candid about his emotional state following the trade. He described the situation as mentally exhausting and expressed the need to process the changes, stating, “I’m mentally exhausted from everything, now it’s time to process everything” .
Jason Kidd: No Communication Since Trade
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd revealed that he has not spoken with Dončić since the day of the trade. Kidd mentioned that he texted Dončić on the morning of the trade but received no response, acknowledging the emotional difficulty of the situation for Dončić .
The trade, which sent Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, has been met with widespread criticism and has left a lasting emotional impact on players, coaches, and fans alike. As the NBA community continues to process this significant shift, the personal stories emerging underscore the deep connections and emotions involved in such high-profile moves.