AD: Mavs fans lost Luka, but 'you also gained a superstar in myself'

Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis is trying to ease fans' frustration with the organization for trading away Luka Doncic.

The 10-time NBA All-Star delivered a message to Mavs fans in an interview posted on the team's YouTube channel Friday, letting them know he can fill the void left by Doncic's departure.

"I know the city was down because of the Luka thing," Davis said. "At the same time, I know who I am as a player. I'm top 75 of all time, and I just want to let the Dallas fans know, I got y'all. I'm here. I'm here now. I know you lost a superstar in Luka, but you also gained a superstar in myself."

The Mavs acquired Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers in February in exchange for Doncic, who had spent his entire seven-year NBA career in Dallas.

Davis has played in only one game since the trade, as he suffered a left adductor strain late in the third quarter of his Mavs debut on Feb. 8. The Mavs announced Friday that Davis "is improving daily," but there's still no timetable for his return.