There’s nonetheless loads of love between former Mavericks teammates Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving after the blockbuster deal that despatched Doncic to Los Angeles.
Irving suffered what was revealed to be a season-ending torn left ACL towards the Kings Monday evening, and whereas Doncic is now a Laker after a the deadline deal, he expressed his greatest needs to his former working mate that helped lead Dallas to final yr’s NBA Finals.
“You will come back stronger mi hermano!” Doncic posted to his Instagram story on Tuesday, calling Irving his “brother.”
The pair spent two-and-a-half seasons collectively in Dallas as one of many NBA’s premier duos.
In 128 video games with the Mavericks, Irving has averaged 25.5 factors, 5.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per recreation.
Doncic and Irving had been relied upon very closely throughout Dallas’ run to the NBA Finals a season in the past, as Irving was taking part in 40 minutes per evening and averaged 22.1 factors per recreation whereas Doncic additionally performed 40 minutes per evening and put up 28.9 factors per recreation.
When Doncic’s Lakers took on the Mavericks in L.A. on Feb. 25 — their first matchup for the reason that league-altering commerce — Los Angeles beat Dallas 107-99.
Doncic posted a triple-double with 19 factors, 15 rebounds and 12 assists in a “revenge game” that included staring down the Dallas bench, whereas Irving put his crew on his again within the loss with 35 factors.
The groups’ subsequent matchup can be in Dallas on April 9 the place Doncic will make his first look within the American Airways Heart for the reason that beautiful deal.
Doncic’s return to the Lone Star State is extremely anticipated, however the lack of Irving will definitely change the panorama and expectations of the sport.
