Doncic's Lakers trade 'hurt', says Mavericks fan and Chiefs star Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs star and Dallas Mavericks fan Patrick Mahomes revealed he was "hurt" by Luka Doncic's stunning trade to the Los Angeles Lakers last week.
Mahomes is preparing to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, but was taken aback by the Mavericks' decision to allow the face of their franchise to depart.
The Lakers confirmed the arrival of the five-time NBA All-Star Doncic on Sunday, signifying one of the biggest trades in the league's history.
Doncic's move also saw the Mavericks acquire Anthony Davis, the Lakers' leading points scorer this season, as well as Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.
Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris went the other way, and despite being bemused by the trade, Mahomes is excited about the Mavericks' future without Doncic.
"Luka is such a franchise player,'' Mahomes said on opening night at the Super Bowl on Monday. "I know it hurt my heart as a Mavs fan, but I'm excited about the future and having [Anthony Davis].
"It definitely hurts more than anything knowing Luka and the work that he put in and the time he's put in in Dallas and the city and how he's done so much for it. That's the thing that's hurt me the most.
"But I'm excited about the future of the Mavs as well. Having AD and Kyrie [Irving] and all these guys they have, they'll have a chance to go out there and compete.
"But I'm excited for Luka too and to get to learn under LeBron [James] and become even a better basketball player.''
Yes, it really happened. Welcome to Los Angeles, Luka. pic.twitter.com/XdlZZ5IfNo
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 2, 2025
The Mavericks dealt Doncic after he spent six and a half seasons with the team.
During his tenure in Dallas, the point guard led the Mavericks to two Western Conference finals and another showpiece appearance over the course of three years.
Mahomes has regularly attended games at the American Airlines Centre, expressed his disbelief at the decision on social media on Sunday.
"Wait what?", Mahomes said on X about the trade, following up his two-word statement with another post saying, "I'm sick (right now)".
He did, however, make it clear that the trade would not deter him from watching the Mavericks for the remainder of the season.
"I know the Mavs have a great basketball team and getting Anthony Davis is going to help them,'' Mahomes said. "I'll be there. I'm a Mavs fan through thick and thin.''