The Los Angeles Lakers didn't get a chance to say goodbye to Dallas Mavericks great Dirk Nowitzki when he decided to retire at the end of last season. This is why they took the opportunity of having the Mavs legend at Staples Center to give him a proper Hollywood sendoff.
Nowitzki retweeted a post by the Mavs that showcased in detail the tribute the Purple and Gold prepared for him. It also presented how Lakers fans welcomed him back with thunderous applause.
Thank you @Lakers I’m truly humbled https://t.co/A6FSHm5Vin
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) December 2, 2019
It's a fitting tribute for a man who was one of the most innovative forwards in the NBA. He was a precursor to the shooting big man that has become a prerequisite for any big who wants to be successful in today's NBA.
Dirk Nowitzki has a bond with the Lakers, albeit not as deep as his lifelong connection to the Mavs. The most obvious connection is the competitive side of things: Dirk effectively ended the Kobe Bryant era of the Lakers, sweeping them 4-0 during the Dallas' magical 2011 run to the NBA title.
During that series, Dirk averaged 25.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 57 percent shooting and 73 percent from deep.
Another thing that ties Dirk to the Lakers was Kobe Bryant's attempt to get him to the Lakers. The Black Mamba knew that the Tall Baller from the G will not leave the Mavs, but he felt it was worth a shot trying so anyway. Moreover, he eventually got his European big man in Pau Gasol in 2008.
While Lakers fans cheered Dirk on, they were far from pleased with how the game went: Luka Doncic's 27 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists saw Dallas triumph over the Lakers, 114-100.
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