Dirk Nowitzki Opens Up on Helping a ‘Disappointed’ Luka Dončić After Lakers Trade: ‘It Was Weird’
Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki recently shared how he supported Luka Dončić after the shocking trade that sent Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers. In an interview, Nowitzki revealed the emotional toll the move took on Dončić and the lengths he went to in order to lift the young star’s spirits.
Dončić Struggled with the Trade
The trade, which saw the Mavericks part ways with Finney-Smith, a longtime teammate and close friend of Dončić, was a tough pill to swallow for the Slovenian superstar. Dončić had formed a strong bond with Finney-Smith over the years, both on and off the court, and losing him came as a shock.
“He was disappointed,” Nowitzki admitted. “It’s always tough when you lose a teammate you’ve played with for so long, especially someone you consider family. It was weird for him.”
Nowitzki Stepped In to Help
As a mentor to Dončić, Nowitzki understood the importance of keeping his morale high. Having spent his entire career with the Mavericks, the Hall of Famer knew firsthand how trades could shake up team chemistry and player emotions.
“I just tried to be there for him,” Nowitzki said. “I reminded him that this is part of the business and that these things happen for a reason. You have to trust the organization and focus on what you can control.”
Nowitzki’s words of wisdom helped Dončić process the trade and shift his focus back to leading the Mavericks. While the emotional impact was undeniable, Dončić has since adjusted, continuing to deliver stellar performances for Dallas.
Moving Forward
Despite the initial disappointment, Dončić has remained locked in on his goal of bringing success to the Mavericks. With the team pushing for a strong finish to the season, his leadership and resilience will be crucial.
Nowitzki’s support underscores the importance of mentorship in the NBA, especially for young stars navigating the ups and downs of professional basketball. As Dončić continues to evolve as a leader, he can always count on Nowitzki’s guidance—just as Nowitzki once relied on his own mentors during his legendary career.
