When Luka Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, it wasn’t just NBA fans who were stunned-it was personal for NFL star Patrick Mahomes.
A lifelong Dallas Mavericks supporter and Texas native, Mahomes made no attempt to hide his heartbreak, tweeting, “I’m sick rn…” and later revealing the news had kept him awake for hours. But behind the public reaction lies a deeper bond, one that transcends sports and cities.
Doncic recently reflected on that connection in an interview at Yankee Stadium. When asked which celebrity left him the most star-struck, Luka didn’t hesitate: it was Mahomes.
“In Dallas when Pat Mahomes came, for me that was very special,” he said. The admiration is clearly mutual. While Mahomes has often praised Doncic’s dedication and talent, the emotion behind his reaction to the trade showed just how much Luka meant to the Dallas community, and to him personally.
Their friendship formed in Dallas, where they both rose to fame as young stars in their respective sports. Even after Luka’s move to L.A., the connection hasn’t faded.
When Doncic returned to Dallas for his first game as a Laker, Mahomes and his wife Brittany were seated courtside. After the final buzzer, Luka and Patrick shared a heartfelt embrace, a moment that symbolized loyalty beyond team colors.
A new city, a new Luka
The transition to Los Angeles also marked a turning point in Doncic’s career. After a first-round playoff exit and questions about his conditioning, Luka faced scrutiny like never before. In response, he dedicated his offseason to a full-body transformation. The internet dubbed him “Skinny Luka,” and for good reason.
Doncic committed to a strict regimen – lifting weights, playing sports like padel and tennis, and following a gluten-free, low-sugar diet. “It was tough at first to step away from basketball, but after a week I adjusted,” he admitted. His goal wasn’t just to lose weight-it was to re-establish himself among the NBA elite.
With rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gaining attention and Nikola Jokic dominating, Luka’s once-secure top-tier status is being challenged. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for “championship shape,” and Doncic has clearly taken that challenge seriously.
Now leaner, more focused, and fueled by both criticism and loyalty, Luka is entering this season with a new purpose. His friendship with Mahomes is just one piece of a much bigger story, a journey defined by change, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
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