The Luka Doncic era in Dallas may be over, but his impact on former teammates is still surfacing.
In one of the most debated trades in recent NBA memory, the Mavericks dealt Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
While the full results of that move will play out over the coming seasons, one thing is already clear: the Mavericks gave up a player who left a lasting impression beyond the stat sheet.
More than just numbers or highlights, Luka Doncic made himself impossible to ignore on a personal level — at least according to one player who was in the locker room.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) motions to his teammates as forward Naji Marshall (13).
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) motions to his teammates as forward Naji Marshall (13).
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Naji Marshall spoke about what it was like to play with Luka
“Luka is just the chillest guy ever bro,” Marshall said during a podcast appearance. “You just feel like his best friend from day one…Never mad, just always happy. And just a Hall of Fame flamethrower when it comes to basketball.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly. Doncic’s competitive fire and basketball IQ are well-documented, but Marshall’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the day-to-day presence that made Luka such a unique figure inside the organization.
Magnifying just how great the loss of Luka was for Dallas and the franchise.
Now with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, the Mavericks will try to chart a new course.
Whether they land Cooper Flagg or go another direction, it’s clear they’ll be trying to fill not just a skill gap — but a leadership void as well.