LUKA DONCIC ARRIVED at the American Airlines Center parking garage in his blue `68 Camaro, cowboy hat in hand. It was December 25, 2022.
Doncic completed his Texan look with a black cowboy hat, western shirt, bolo tie, Wrangler jeans, and Lucchese boots.
`Howdy, howdy,` Doncic greeted as he entered the arena.
It was a special day for the Dallas Mavericks, hosting LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Doncic came early to witness the unveiling of Dirk Nowitzki`s statue.
The statue`s inscription, `Loyalty never fades away,` honored Nowitzki`s 21 years with the Mavericks.
Doncic was inspired, envisioning a similar career path, though perhaps shorter than Nowitzki`s. He played well (32 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) in a Mavericks win against the Lakers, who missed Anthony Davis.
Postgame, Doncic joked about having a `horny toad` as a pet, stating, `Cause I`m Texan.`
On February 1, 2025, the Mavericks highlighted Doncic`s Texan attire from Christmases past on social media for `National Texas Day`.
Later that day, the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers for a package including Davis, a shocking move months after the Mavs` Finals appearance.
Sources indicated the trade might cost the franchise millions due to decreased revenue from fan cancellations and lost sponsorships. The Mavs offered limited refunds to season ticket holders.
The team planned a tribute video for Doncic, allowing fans a final appreciation. Sponsorship deals for Doncic`s return game fell apart when his camp declined, noting his Lakers affiliation.
Now, Doncic returns to Dallas with the Lakers. His first game back is a bittersweet moment celebrating his successful years with the Mavericks but also highlighting the trade`s pain.
`At the end of the day, the trade has happened,` Mavs forward P.J. Washington commented after a loss. `We have a new team now. We need fan support.`
HARRISON KEPT Doncic trade talks secret to avoid fan influence.
Harrison convinced Mavs governor Patrick Dumont that a supermax extension for Doncic was unwise due to concerns about his conditioning and potential injury.
Dumont apologized for lost fan trust, hoping to regain it by proving the trade`s merits over time.
The Mavs aimed for a three- to four-year title window with the trade, as Harrison mentioned to reporters. However, this window quickly faced challenges.
Davis, acquired in the trade, was initially injured. He debuted strongly but suffered another injury, sidelining him for six weeks.
Kyrie Irving, crucial after Doncic`s departure, suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Davis and Irving played only 25 minutes together as Mavericks this season.
Davis, Gafford, and Lively II recently returned from injuries, with minute restrictions, as the Mavs struggle for a play-in spot, far from contention.
`We`re missing Kai, so we`ll never know our true potential,` Davis admitted.
Davis insisted on playing, hoping for a playoff run despite slim chances. No team has won a playoff series from the 9/10 play-in game.
`We play present basketball,` Davis stated. `We focus on who is available and ready.`
Meanwhile, Doncic has boosted the Lakers, who are now third in the West after being fifth when the trade occurred. Doncic is adjusting after his longest injury break.
`It`s been two months, still adapting,` Doncic said, averaging 27.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists for the Lakers. `It was a big change, but improving.`
NOWITZKI WAS SHOCKED by the trade, missing a family lunch to process it. He supported Doncic at his Lakers debut.
`I will always be a Mavs fan, but this trade really hurt,` Nowitzki said. `It will take time to process.`
Doncic felt `emotionally devastated` by the trade, happening as he was settling into Dallas.
`Dallas was my home for almost seven years,` Doncic reflected. `It felt like home.`
Mavs fans quickly connected with Doncic. His exciting play and personality endeared him to them.
`Every night, he provided `Oh s—!` moments,` said longtime fan Jeremy Williams. `You`d share those moments with others.`
Doncic was on track to become as beloved as Nowitzki. Fans were protective and forgiving of his flaws.
`It`s like a hero`s journey,` said Mavs Moneyball`s Kirk Henderson, lamenting missing Doncic fully realizing his potential in Dallas.
Mavs fans were blindsided and heartbroken by the trade, leading to protests.
`We always had Dirk or Luka for joy and excitement,` Williams said. `I`m still in denial about the trade.`
Mavs fans largely don`t dislike Davis, but he`s not the homegrown star Doncic was. `Fire Nico` chants have emerged at local events.
Doncic jerseys still dominate Mavs home games. Williams has many for himself and his son, making him sad to see them.
Williams will wear a `NICO SUCKS` shirt to the game, risking ejection. He won`t wear a Lakers jersey, unable to fully support the Lakers despite following Doncic.
`If he went to Orlando, maybe,` Williams said. `But not the Lakers. I root for the Mavs name, but it`s still painful.`
`I just can`t root for anybody on the Lakers.`