Luka Doncic and the world he knew changed when he joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. Not only did he move to the US, he was now also a part of the greatest basketball league in the world. However, it wasn’t just Luka whose life changed in an instant. His mother also had her world flipped upside down when her son got drafted. Little did she know she was in for another shock less than a decade down the line.
Mirjam Poterbin first turned heads during his draft as fans asked who this mysterious lady at Luka’s side was. But those questions were soon answered when we found out that she was none other than his mom! She had moved to Dallas after the Draft so Luka would have family nearby. So naturally, after spending nearly a decade there, she got attached.
And Mirjam made her feelings known after the Dallas Mavericks unveiled the tribute they put together for their former star. The Mavs played highlights from Luka’s time in Dallas, clips of him behind the scenes, even showing him as a teenager from when he first arrived there. Clearly, the video moved her as much as her son. She filmed the tribute and then posted it on Instagram. said her caption, brief yet telling of how she felt watching the tribute. And we can all figure out what she’s getting at.
The tribute Luka’s former team put together moved him to tears. And having spent the same amount of time in the city as her son, it’s no surprise that it similarly affected Mirjam. Nonetheless, she’s getting used to the sunny climes and the purple and gold of LA. Look no further than her Instagram account, where she has posted several pictures of her attending Luka’s games, donning a Lakers ’77’ jersey.
And when it comes to adjusting to change, it seems her son is trying his best too. Even though he revealed earlier that closure would take some time, it seems he recognizes the fact that he is a Laker now. In that vein, Luka made quite an emotional confession after the game.
It’s never easy to get over something you’ve loved for nearly a decade. Be it a car, a house, or even a place. Memories, attachments, and above all, feelings don’t go away so easily. But the right thing to do is to try. And Luka Doncic is aware of this. So despite the love he has for Dallas and its fans, he knows that their time together is up.
This is why he said, “I love these fans, I love this city. But it’s time to move on,” during his sideline interview with ESPN following his victory over his former club. It’s obvious that the love he’s talking about goes both ways. After all, the fans wouldn’t be so against Nico Harrison if they didn’t value and cherish Luka Doncic.
However, with Luka himself saying that it’s time to move on, should the fans also be cognizant of that fact? Regardless of how badly Harrison messed up, what’s done is done. Luka is ready to write a new chapter in his story now. He showed that with his 45-point haul, that put the game well out of his former team’s reach. And proving his ultimate detractor wrong, Luka also contributed to defense with 4 steals to his name. He was pivotal going both ways for the Lakers last night.
All in all, Luka Doncic is a Laker now. Anthony Davis leads the Dallas Mavericks into the postseason. Nothing about those things will change anytime soon, barring another shocking trade.
So maybe the Dallas faithful should take their former star’s words to heart and actually try to move on. Their team needs their support, now more than ever. But will their rage and sorrow dissipate while Nico Harrison remains at the helm? Probably a long shot, no?
