Dirk Nowitzki Criticizes Luka Dončić Trade to Lakers, Citing Franchise Setback and Fan Disappointment

The controversial trade that sent five-time All-NBA first teamer Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis has drawn strong criticism from Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki called the February deal "shocking" and stated it "made no sense" and "definitely set the franchise back," expressing that fans felt "robbed" of seeing Dončić develop into a champion in Dallas. At the time of the trade, Dončić was 25, and the Mavericks had built a competitive team around him, including adding Klay Thompson, and were 14-3 in their last 17 games before Dončić's injury, which marked his final game in a Mavericks uniform. Nowitzki even attended Dončić's first game with the Lakers, highlighting the significance of the move.