Dallas Basketball

Anthony Davis 'understands' fans' emotions after Luka Doncic-Lakers trade, ready to 'give life back' to Dallas

The new Mavericks forward had a strong message for Dallas fans.
Keenan Womack|
Feb 7, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis speaks to the media during a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Feb 7, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis speaks to the media during a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Dallas MavericksLos Angeles Lakers

New Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis has a strong message for Dallas fans who are distraught by the shocking blockbuster trade that brought him to town in exchange for Luka Doncic. Davis read the room, understanding the shoes he would have to fill after the Hall-of-Fame career that Doncic had in just seven seasons in Maverick blue.

READ MORE: Dallas Mavericks named loser of trade between Luka Doncic and Lakers

When asked about the emotions of the fanbase, Davis responded with the following: "I understand it. It's a business. I get who Luka [Doncic] was to this franchise, to this city. I'm never going to downplay that, just how I know what I meant to the city of LA. I'm not surprised by the fans' reaction and the city's reaction, but it's my job to come here and play basketball and do what I'm supposed to do – give the fans hope and reassurance on why Nico [Harrison] brought me here.

"I don't know how tomorrow is going to be as far as the reaction, but I can't control that. What I can control is winning basketball games and helping the team doing whatever I can. At the end of the day, I want to give the city life back. Obviously, it was a tough transition and a shock to all. My job is to come in and win basketball games."

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) leaves the court after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The former Lakers and Hornets/Pelicans forward/center has averaged 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 stocks per game while shooting 53% from the field and playing high-level defense. While people may never recover from trading Doncic, Davis is still a high-level talent who can affect both ends of the floor in a positive way, though he must remain healthy in order for that to come to fruition.

READ MORE: Klay Thompson expects ‘weird’ energy at Mavericks' first home game after Luka Dončić trade

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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