Kyrie Irving has spoken out about the shocking trade that sent Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. The star guard admitted he is still processing the move and the loss of his former teammates.
“Just really shocked. You just don’t imagine that you’re going to get ready to go to sleep and then you find out news like that,” Irving said. “Still in grieving process right now. Miss my hermano. We had a lot of time together. Keef [Markieff Morris] too and Maxi [Kleber]. We just built some bonds that went beyond [the] basketball court.”
Irving acknowledged the emotional toll of the trade while recognizing that roster changes are part of the business. “This is a business. It’s way above my pay grade. I just got to adjust and be ready to welcome in my new teammates with open arms,” he added.
The blockbuster trade saw Doncic, Kleber, and Morris head to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round selections as part of the deal.
Doncic, who is currently recovering from a calf injury, has been dominant this season, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. The Lakers are banking on his elite playmaking to elevate their championship aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are looking to Davis to solidify their defense and bolster their playoff chances. The eight-time All-Star is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while anchoring the paint.
LeBron James, who remains highly productive at 40 years old, is averaging 24 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. His new partnership with Doncic is expected to be one of the biggest storylines in the league moving forward.
Irving acknowledged the difficulty of losing key teammates but emphasized his commitment to helping Dallas move forward. “If anybody can understand at home, when a group of people leave, it’s going to be difficult and that’s what we’re dealing with right now,” he said.
The Mavericks currently hold an 11th-place standing in the Western Conference with a 26-25 record, while the Lakers sit in fifth at 29-19. Both teams are hoping their new stars will provide the necessary boost for a deep playoff push.
Irving assured Mavericks fans that the team remains focused on winning. “I know they’re feeling [it] too, I’m feeling it too guys. It’s just an adjustment period. I don’t want to downplay it either or disrespect our new guys. They’re going to help us build towards a championship.”
The NBA landscape has been drastically altered by this trade, with both teams looking to capitalize on their reshaped rosters. As Doncic and Davis settle into their new homes, the league will be watching closely to see how these moves impact the postseason race.
For Irving, the transition may take time, but his goal remains the same—bringing a championship to Dallas. With Davis now in the fold, the Mavericks are hoping to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.
