Reaching this milestone has been quite the journey, and there are a few key figures I must express my gratitude to. At the top of the list is Jeanie Buss, whose unwavering support has been invaluable. Her vision aligns perfectly with the legacy of Dr. Buss, always striving to ensure that the top-tier basketball talents call the Los Angeles Lakers their home. Jeanie has done a remarkable job in continuing her father’s legacy, and I deeply appreciate her dedication and insight that have made days like today possible.
Next, I’d like to extend my thanks to the team on the other side of the deal. Whenever a trade or transaction is on the table, it takes two to tango. The Dallas Mavericks, under the leadership of their GM, Nico Harrison, played a crucial role in this process. Nico was instrumental in crafting this opportunity and remained committed through the negotiations that allowed us to finalize the trade, bringing Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris into our fold. These partnerships are pivotal, and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge both Jeanie and Nico for their significant contributions.