Luka Doncic is 'still adapting' two months after trade to Lakers - ESPN

LUKA DONCIC PULLED his blue '68 Camaro into the American Airlines Center parking garage and reached into the passenger seat to grab his brand-new cowboy hat. It was Dec. 25, 2022.

Doncic put on the black hat as he emerged from his classic hot rod, the finishing touch on an outfit that served as a proverbial tip of the cap to his adopted home state. He sported a black, western cut button-down shirt with a bolo tie, some Wrangler jeans and even a pair of Lucchese boots. He looked like a true Texan from head to toe.

«Howdy, howdy,» Doncic greeted folks with a grin while making his way into the arena.

It was a big day for the Dallas Mavericks, who were hosting LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in ABC's afternoon showcase. Doncic had arrived at the arena especially early so he could watch as the statue of his friend and former teammate, Dirk Nowitzki, was unveiled, standing a skip pass away from the street named after the German star who made Dallas his second home and led the Mavericks to the franchise's lone NBA championship.

«Loyalty never fades away,» read the inscription on the base of the 23-foot statue depicting Nowitzki's signature one-legged shot. The 21 letters succinctly capture the essence of Nowitzki's record-setting 21-year run in a Mavericks uniform — and the unbreakable bond between the icon and his lone franchise.

It was an inspiration for Doncic, who envisioned his career unfolding in similar fashion — although not necessarily as long as Nowitzki's. The good vibes continued throughout the game, as Doncic had a performance that was typical by his lofty standards (32 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) while leading the Mavs to a win over the Lakers, who were missing James' co-star Anthony Davis because of a