BREAKING NEWS: Former Dallas Mavericks Star Luka Dončić, Now with Lakers, Sends Emotional Message to Jason Kidd and Team Dallas

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, Luka Dončić, the face of the Dallas Mavericks franchise for the better part of a decade, is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. The blockbuster trade, confirmed early Monday morning, marks the end of an era in Dallas and the beginning of a new chapter in Dončić’s storied career. But before taking his first steps in purple and gold, Dončić took a moment to address his former coach, teammates, and fans in a heartfelt message that has already gone viral.

The 26-year-old Slovenian phenom, who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to Dallas on draft night in 2018, quickly emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest superstars. In six seasons with the Mavericks, Dončić averaged 28.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, made five All-Star teams, and guided Dallas to multiple deep playoff runs — including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2022. Though a championship eluded him in Dallas, Dončić’s legacy in North Texas is undeniable.

News of Dončić’s move to Los Angeles came as part of a three-team deal involving the Mavericks, Lakers, and the Brooklyn Nets. In the trade, the Lakers acquired Dončić and a 2026 second-round pick, while Dallas received Lakers forward Austin Reaves, multiple future first-round picks, and promising Nets guard Cam Thomas. Brooklyn landed D’Angelo Russell and additional draft compensation. The move gives the Lakers a generational playmaker to pair with Anthony Davis, as the franchise eyes a new dynasty in the post-LeBron James era.

But amid the chaos of a seismic shift, Dončić paused to offer a message that many in the Mavericks organization are calling “a moment of closure and deep gratitude.”

“To Coach Kidd, to Mark Cuban, my teammates, the fans, the city of Dallas — thank you,” Dončić said in a statement posted to his Instagram and shared by the Lakers. “This was not an easy decision, and I didn’t imagine my journey here ending this way. I came to Dallas as a teenager with dreams. You all helped me become a man, a competitor, and a leader. I owe you everything.”

Dončić went on to praise head coach Jason Kidd, who guided him through the past three seasons, helping him mature into a more complete and efficient player.

“Coach Kidd, you believed in me when I was still learning this league. You challenged me, taught me how to see the game differently, and you never stopped pushing me to be great. I’ll carry your lessons with me forever,” Dončić wrote.

Kidd, for his part, responded to the message during a press conference Monday afternoon at the Mavericks’ practice facility.

“I’m proud of Luka. I’m proud of the player and the man he’s become. Of course, I wanted him to stay. But I understand. This is a business, and sometimes change is necessary. He gave this city everything he had — and that’ll never be forgotten,” Kidd said, visibly emotional.

The trade ends a partnership between Dončić and Kidd that was often defined by fire and brilliance. Kidd, himself a Hall of Fame point guard, was often seen challenging Dončić to elevate his defense, leadership, and conditioning. The two had heated sideline exchanges at times, but mutual respect was always evident.

Beyond his note to Kidd, Dončić also expressed affection for his now-former teammates, including Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, and Kyrie Irving.

“To my brothers in the locker room, thank you for every battle, every laugh, every flight and late night grind,” Dončić said. “You are more than teammates to me. You are family. I’ll be cheering for you — always.”

Perhaps most poignant was Dončić’s message to the fans.

“Dallas, you embraced a kid from Slovenia like one of your own. You painted murals, you wore my jersey, you chanted my name. Every time I stepped on the floor at the AAC [American Airlines Center], I felt your love. That’s something no trade can take away. This will always be home to me.”

The Mavericks organization released its own statement soon after, thanking Dončić for his contributions and legacy.

“Luka Dončić will always be part of the Mavericks family. His excellence on the court and connection with this city helped define an era. We wish him nothing but success in this next chapter,” the statement read.

Around the league, reactions poured in from players, coaches, and analysts, many of whom were shocked by the move but excited by the implications.

LeBron James, who is reportedly planning to retire or take on a limited role next season, welcomed Dončić to L.A. with a cryptic tweet: “The keys are yours now, Young King 👑. Go make history.”

Anthony Davis told reporters at a Lakers summer camp, “Luka’s one of the greatest talents I’ve ever seen. We’re ready to work. This is going to be fun.”

NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins described the move as “the most impactful trade since Kevin Durant went to Golden State.”

“Luka to L.A.? That changes everything,” Perkins said on ESPN. “You give that dude a big market, a real co-star, and a championship-minded franchise — it’s go time.”

Still, some in the Mavericks fanbase feel blindsided. Despite rumblings of tension between Dončić and the front office over roster decisions and playoff shortcomings, few expected a move this offseason. Dallas had appeared poised to build around Dončić and Irving, especially after making the playoffs in 2025.

Team owner Mark Cuban, who has long spoken of Dončić as a franchise pillar, released a brief personal message on social media: “Thank you, Luka. You gave us a decade of magic. Wishing you success — unless you’re playing us!”

Cuban and general manager Nico Harrison now face the unenviable task of reshaping the Mavericks’ identity without their superstar. But early indications suggest Dallas will be aggressive in free agency and committed to building around their new young core.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, expectations are sky-high. Dončić is expected to arrive in L.A. later this week for an introductory press conference. Lakers fans are already flooding social media with mockups of Dončić in the iconic gold and purple jersey — No. 77, as always.

It’s a new era for the Lakers and for Luka Dončić — and for basketball as a whole. A seismic shift like this doesn’t just change teams; it changes legacies, rivalries, and expectations.

But amid all the media frenzy, the numbers, and the speculation, Dončić’s message to Dallas served as a reminder of the human side of professional sports.

“This league is full of change. But some things — the memories, the love, the connection — stay with you forever,” Dončić wrote. “Thank you, Dallas. From the bottom of my heart.”

As training camps approach and a new NBA season draws near, all eyes will be on Los Angeles — and on the man who once carried the hopes of Dallas, now carrying new expectations in Hollywood. One thing is certain: Luka Dončić’s next chapter is one the entire basketball world will be watching closely.