The 24-year-old Real Madrid striker commented on the photo on Instagram of the Slovenian point guard wearing his new purple and gold jersey.
This week saw one of the most impressive moves in NBA history take place. The Dallas Mavericks sent Luka Doncic in a three-team deal to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Texans parted with their franchise player – just 25 years old – in exchange primarily for Anthony Davis and a string of excuses that convinced no one in the basketball world.
Doncic move shook more than just the NBA
A move that sent shockwaves through the entire NBA. “I thought it was a hoax… it’s a bit surreal to have him on the team,” LeBron James said following the Los Angeles team’s victory over the Clippers (97–112). The forward praised what he calls his “favorite player”: “Luka is a great player, he’s 25, he hasn’t even reached his prime yet and he’s already done some incredible things in our league. I’m happy to have him. L.A.”
He isn’t the only one excited about the Slovenian’s new home. Among all the congratulations received on his photo posing in the Lakers jersey, one caught attention: that of Vinicius Jr. “Real Madrid and Lakers isn’t bad,” wrote the forward for the Spanish soccer team on Instagram, accompanied by an emoji.
What’s Doncic’s link to Real Madrid?
Doncic is not only an enormous basketball talent but also a player dearly loved at Real Madrid. A product of their youth system since 2012, when he was 12, the club nurtured and developed a player who debuted with the senior team at 16 years and 2 months and, before moving to the NBA in 2018 with the Mavericks, won three league titles, two cups, and a EuroLeague championship.
And it is not just a sports story but one of love – the love between Doncic and the club and the club’s affection for their wonder kid. The fans adore him, and he adores his white-clad supporters. The Slovenian has always sent messages of support to Madrid, which didn’t miss an opportunity to return the affection on social media as soon as the trade was made official last Sunday, when they defeated Joventut in the Endesa League.
“Dear @luka7doncic, best of luck and many successes in this new stage of your career with the @Lakers. During your time in the @NBA you have already proven that there are no limits for you. All Madrid fans are proud of you and we will be by your side in this new challenge,” read the message on social media X (formerly Twitter).
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