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Luka Dončić Jokes with Kyrie Irving on Instagram, Rekindling Bond After Dallas Mavericks Split

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Grant Afseth | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 10:23 AM ET

Former Dallas Mavericks teammates Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving shared a lighthearted moment on social media Friday, offering a glimpse into their continued friendship months after Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Irving posted a photo on Instagram standing at the front of a yacht celebrating the Fourth of July. Dončić commented on the post with a sarcastic message.

“Thanks for the invite on the yacht [laughing emoji],” Dončić wrote.

The guards played together for almost two years before Dončić was traded to the Lakers in February ahead of the midseason deadline. While the post appeared in jest, it quickly drew attention across social media, given the duo’s history and close relationship on and off the court.

Irving has previously spoken openly about the emotional impact of Dončić’s departure. In the days following the trade, he described the situation as a “grieving process” and referred to Dončić as his “hermano,” the Spanish word for brother.

“Just really shocked,” Irving said at the time. “You just don’t imagine you’re going to get ready to go to sleep and then you find out news like that. It’s still a grieving process right now. I miss my hermano.”

Irving said he and Dončić had maintained contact through text messages after the trade, adding that their relationship extended beyond the court.

“We’re loyal to each other’s families now,” Irving said. “We had a lot of sacred conversations that went beyond the court and just helping each other as men.”

The pair led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 before falling to the Boston Celtics in five games. Though their on-court pairing didn’t result in a championship, both players have continued to speak positively about their time together.

Dončić is set to play his first full season with the Lakers, who are attempting to retool around the All-NBA guard. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are hoping to stay competitive behind Irving and top overall draft pick Cooper Flagg as they await Irving’s return to full health.

While the Mavericks front office continues to face scrutiny for trading Dončić, Friday’s Instagram comment reminded us of the lasting personal connection between the two former teammates.