After the massive trade, fans noticed something peculiar in the first photos of Luka Doncic that appeared online. Many said the 26-year-old Slovenian Sensation’s eyes looked puffy and red. “He must’ve cried all night, ” the fans said. Dallas was his only home. But Doncic? He kept a straight face and only spewed out his emotional turmoil to Dirk Nowitzki. It looks like Luka confided in a friend.

In a recent episode of the German podcast ‘41 Campus,’ 46-year-old Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki shared his thoughts on the significant trade that occurred on February 2. However, taking the fans on the human side of things, Nowitzki also unveiled the personal moments he shared with Luka.

The Dunking Deutschman said: “I wrote to Luka right away, but he didn’t answer me at first. He was probably overwhelmed. A lot going on for him. Then he wrote to me a day later and I think he was a bit emotional.” Dirk Nowitzki was caught off guard by Luka’s raw emotion. But as someone who had once carried the Mavericks’ legacy on his shoulders, he understood the pain of leaving a franchise that felt like home. At the same time, he thought it would be nice if he supported Doncic at his first game as a Laker.

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A lingering ankle strain kept the five-time All-Star sidelined for weeks, delaying his highly anticipated Lakers debut. Still, Dirk Nowitzki wouldn’t miss it. He had to see Luka don that iconic No. 77 in purple and gold. “I flew to LA and just wanted to show that we’ve won a friendship,” Nowitzki added.

“We played together for a year– my last year,” Nowitzki recalled. He said how he tried to help and mentor the then-19-year-old Luka Doncic in 2019. Therefore, remembering all the good times they spent as teammates, the legend simply wanted to show some support; and he did.

Dirk Nowitzki went the extra mile to cheer for Luka Doncic

“I just wanted to show him that I’m there for him. Even if he’s somewhere else, we have a friendship and I can be there for him,” Dirk Nowitzki further expressed. Luka’s debut game for the Lakers was a sight to behold. There had been questions about the star’s comfort in the new jersey. Amidst the skeptical eyes and doubtful hearts, Doncic walked on the court vs. the Utah Jazz, scoring 14 points. However, there were loud cheers from the audience.

Nowitzki sat in the ocean of Purple and Yellow alongside Luka’s father Sasa Doncic. “His father was there and a bit of his inner circle,” the Dunking Deutschman recalled. But the strangest moment was, “I stood there in the empty stadium and he walked out there in yellow. That was crazy.” It felt bizarre according to Dirk Nowitzki. He said it feels awkward even now and will surely take him some time to accept the reality.

Change is never easy. Luka Doncic knew it. Dirk Nowitzki felt it. But through the whirlwind of emotions, one thing remained—friendship. From Dallas to LA, the bond stayed strong. Watching Luka in purple and gold was surreal, but Dirk stood by him. Because legends don’t just shape teams. They shape each other.