Luka Doncic doesn’t plan on ever living in Texas again. The star player for the Los Angeles Lakers revealed his thoughts on the matter during a new episode of Sundae Conversation with host Caleb Pressley (around the 5:55 mark).
After taking a second to ponder if he’d ever live in the Lone Star State, even after his playing days are over, Doncic responded with a confident “No.” Pressley followed up by asking the star if he’d consider moving to Houston, and Doncic declined again.
Doncic’s thoughts on living in Texas again don’t come as a surprise, considering the Dallas Mavericks traded him in February. Widely considered the most shocking trade in NBA history, the move brought a surprised Doncic to the Lakers, where he’s currently helping LeBron James battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs.
Shortly after being traded, Doncic posted a stirring message to Mavericks’ fans thanking them for their support and reflecting on the time he spent there.
"Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level,” wrote Doncic. “I thought I'd spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of.”
“For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home,” he continued. “In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most."
Mavericks fans were, and still are, devastated by Doncic’s loss. They’ve brought coffins to arenas and held funerals for the team. They've also repeatedly demonstrated how upset they are at Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison for approving the trade in the first place.
Charles Barkley recently gave Harrison some advice amid the continued backlash that he’s receiving.
“Listen, man, I consider you a friend of mine, Nico Harrison. I consider you a friend of mine, I wish you nothing but the best,” said Barkley during an episode of Inside the NBA. “I thought you did a good job last year with the Mavs, and obviously, whatever happened this year didn't work out. Man, don't do no more press conferences.”
“I don't even know what you're doing, I really don’t,” he continued. “Like, I got sympathy and love for you, but I have zero idea what you're trying to do. This war is over, brother. You taking the L. I hope you keep your job, I hope that team get healthy, but man, don't do anymore interviews. Please don't.”