Davis Reflects on Lakers Legacy as Dončić Departs Dallas in Silence

Summary:

• Anthony Davis spoke about his trade to the Mavericks, choosing not to voice any complaints publicly.
• The ex-LA Lakers player reminisced about his championship run with the organization.
• Luka Dončić’s farewell notably excluded any mention of the Mavericks organization.

Anthony Davis isn’t airing any grievances regarding his trade from the LA Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks. Whatever frustration he may harbor, he’s doing a good job at keeping it private.

On Monday, the 31-year-old spoke publicly for the first time since news broke Saturday night that he was heading to Dallas in exchange for All-NBA guard Luka Dončić.

Rather than directly address the trade, he took to social media to reflect on his championship run with the Lakers and anticipate his next chapter in the NBA.

Six years ago, I came here with the vision to win a championship, and I will never forget the moment we did! The business of basketball is a business just like all other businesses… I am grateful to the city where my first ring came from, grew my family and friendships, and I will always have a home here.

He also took the opportunity to say that he and his family wanted to thank everyone who made LA “home” for them while “still thinking of those that lost their homes in the fires”.

He also addressed his teammates, saying their friendship goes “beyond a locker room and a jersey” while saying “LA will always have a special place” in his heart.

Ultimately, his message read, “Every great story has an exciting next chapter…Dallas—Here we come!”

Shortly after Davis posted his message, the Mavericks released a video featuring him and shooting guard Max Christie aboard what appeared to be a private jet en route to Dallas.

Christie was included in the Lakers’ trade package for Dončić, making the move alongside Davis.

Mavs fans, it’s your boy AD here with Max, We’re excited to be a part of the organization, a part of the team. We’re gonna do something special with y’all. We’re excited and we can’t wait to get on the floor and support the team and do what we do best. Go Mavs.

On the other hand, Dončić’s farewell from Dallas seemed slightly different than Davis’ departure from LA.

While Dončić also took the time to express his love and appreciation for the city, which he called “a special place“, and the “special fans“, his statement failed to mention the Mavericks organization, which had dealt him in his prime in one of the most astonishing trades in history.

The 25-year-old also chose not to reference the Lakers, leaving his true feelings about the trade open to speculation.

Adding to the intrigue, Dončić’s father was far more outspoken, criticizing the Mavericks in comments to Slovenian media.

Meanwhile, Dončić himself is still recovering from a calf injury that has sidelined him since December, and it remains uncertain when he will make his Lakers debut or speak publicly about the blockbuster trade.