The Dallas Mavericks just lost their franchise player.
Luka Doncic made his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, starting a new era in Purple & Gold basketball.
Notably, they did so while another Mavericks great was in attendance.
As Jovan Buha on X (via NBA Central) showed, Dirk Nowitzki went to Crypto.com Arena to watch his former teammate’s debut with his new team.
Dirk in attendance to watch Luka
(Via @jovanbuha ) pic.twitter.com/DXEkrD2H2i
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 11, 2025
This speaks volumes about several things.
On the one hand, it shows just how close Nowitzki grew to be with the Slovenian star, and it was a nice gesture to watch him showing up in person to be present at such a big event.
On the other hand, Nowitzki has clearly taken a side in this situation.
GM Nico Harrison’s decision to trade Doncic was reportedly motivated by concerns about his work ethic and conditioning.
By going to Los Angeles and attending another franchise’s game, Nowitzki’s actions are speaking volumes.
He clearly disagreed with the Mavs’ decision to let go of their 25-year-old star, which shocked the NBA world to its core.
The trade was so bad on paper that even Mavs fans are complaining about getting a future first-ballot Hall of Famer like Anthony Davis.
Luka is so good and has such a bright future ahead of him that he’s making a trade for a player of Davis’ caliber look like a steal.
Nico Harrison will have a tough time changing the narrative, and once you infuriate a guy like Nowitzki, you know you messed up.
NEXT: Kyrie Irving Gets Honest About Fan Reaction From Luka Doncic Trade
