Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić’s former teammates on the Dallas Mavericks are still processing his departure.
In a candid moment on The Young Man and The Three podcast, Mavs guard Naji Marshall didn’t hold back when discussing the blockbuster trade that sent Dončić away from the team.
The trade, which shook the NBA landscape, left ripples not only in the league but also in the hearts of players like Marshall, who had forged a close bond with the Slovenian superstar.
“I was hurt, man. Luka is my dog, for real,” Marshall said. “As far as just personally, I just was hurt to lose Luka, man … I was just hurt to see him go.”
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Dončić debuted with the Lake Show on February 9 after missing two months due to a calf injury.
In 28 games for LA in 2024-25, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 3.6 threes per game, showcasing his generational talent despite lingering injuries and conditioning concerns. His integration alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves helped the Lakers secure a 50-32 record and the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed.
Dončić’s playmaking and scoring elevated the offense, though his playoff debut was marred by a first-round upset loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, where he averaged 28 points but struggled with efficiency.
Off the court, his trade continues to spark debates about his fit as the centerpiece of a contender and the Mavericks’ decision, with some citing his conditioning as a continuing issue.
Despite the early playoff exit, Dončić’s presence has certainly extended the LeBron James-era Lakers’ championship window, setting the stage for an interesting summer of roster moves.
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