Luka Doncic thanks Dallas fans and calls the city a “home away from home” as he departs for Los Angeles.
DALLAS — Mavs fans are hearing from Luka Doncic for the first time since the news dropped that their franchise player was heading to Los Angeles.
Doncic posted an open letter to Dallas on his social media accounts, thanking fans for his time in North Texas and the support they extended to him.
Doncic shared his experience coming to the Mavericks as a “young kid from Slovenia.” The Mavericks traded up with the Atlanta Hawks to snag Luka with the third pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
“In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed,” the post read. “Thank you for not only sharing in my joy in our best moment, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most.”
Post-trade, Mavs fans can be described using two words: Distraught and confused. The move prompted fans to protest outside of American Airlines Center, even bringing out a casket to mourn Doncic’s departure.
“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,” Doncic wrote. “Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Shortly after his post, the Mavericks posted a thank you to Doncic on their social media accounts. “Thank you, Luka Doncic, for being one of the greatest Dallas Mavericks to ever wear this jersey. Thank you for playing with joy and competitiveness beyond compare. Thank you, for the magic, 77.”
