Anthony Davis is preparing to embark on the next chapter of his career after the shocking trade that saw him dealt from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic.
Davis, who had been with the Lakers since the 2019-20 season and won a championship with the organization in his first year with the team, penned a farewell message to the franchise and fan base, which he shared on social media on Monday.
"6 years ago, I came here with the vision to win a Championship, and I will never forget the moment we did! The business of basketball is a business just like all other businesses… I am grateful to the city where my first ring came from, grew my family and friendships and I will always have a home here. My family and I thank everyone who made this place home and we are still thinking of those that lost their homes in the fires. To my teammates: our friendships go beyond a locker room and a jersey…LA will always have a special place in my heart. Every great story has an exciting next chapter… Dallas- Here we come!" wrote Davis on Instagram.
Davis was in the midst of arguably his best season in Los Angeles, having averaged 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. There are only a handful of players around the league whose talent could've persuaded the Lakers to move on from the 31-year-old, and Doncic just so happened to be among those select few.
The unfathomable trade has certainly shaken up the NBA, but Davis, a longtime close friend of LeBron James, acknowledged that he understands the business side of basketball. It was surely an unexpected move, but he made clear he's looking forward to competing with the Mavericks, where he'll team up with Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
More of the Latest Around the NBA
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Anthony Davis Bids Farewell to Lakers in Heartfelt Message After Trade to Mavericks.