Naji Marshall, like much of Dallas, was stunned when the Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers, according to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal. For Marshall, the deal meant losing both the face of the franchise and a close friend who had influenced his game during their short time together.
Marshall joined the Mavericks last offseason on a three-year, $27 million deal after four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. Though he only played 17 games alongside Dončić, Marshall said they quickly built strong on-court chemistry.
“I get that the NBA is a business, but it still hurt,” Marshall said on The Old Man and the Three podcast. “Luka’s really my guy. I love AD [Anthony Davis], too — he’s welcomed us and been great. But losing Luka personally was tough.”
He praised Dončić’s personality and leadership, describing him as easygoing and instantly likable. “Luka makes you feel like his best friend right away. Just a great guy and an absolute flamethrower on the court.”
Marshall also reflected on Dončić’s emotional return to Dallas on April 9, when Luka dropped 45 points in a dominant performance against his former team after being moved to tears by a pregame tribute video. Marshall led Dallas with 23 points and eight assists that night.
“Luka never expected to leave Dallas,” Marshall said. “Seeing him cry before tip-off I can only imagine what that moment meant to him.”
The podcast also touched on Dallas’ surprise lottery victory, jumping from the No. 11 spot to the top overall pick and earning the chance to draft Cooper Flagg. Marshall said he was thrilled watching the lottery unfold and believes Flagg can make an immediate impact.
“I really love his game he’s a winner, and he’s got that dog in him,” Marshall said. “I’m a dog, and that’s what I look for. I’m excited to watch him grow and become a star in this league.”
