In the morning after Dallas Mavericks exchanged Luka Dončić, the fans gathered outside the American Airlines Center to protest against this step.
They brought inscriptions that declared their Mavericks fandom dead and laid flowers near the sculpture of the franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki. Several fans even organized a false funeral and carried a coffin on South Square when Wiz Khalifa played in the background.
Three guys brought the coffin to the American Airlines Center. They play “See you again”.
“Rest in peace MAVS.” pic.twitter.com/0ndv26vgyb
– Shawn McFarland (@mcfarland_shawn) 2 February 2025
In two or more months of the store, fans came in many forms. Some Mavericks fans decided Don Purple and Gold Los Angeles Lakers Gear inside the American Airlines Center, an act that would be unthinkable on February before February.
In the latest home game Mavericks 2. April, Athletic In the lower bowl he saw six Mavericks fans who had Dončić’s jersey No. 77 Lakers. Before Dončić’s return to Dallas on Wednesday, Athletic They asked these fans how they made Mavericks decision to trade Dallas fans, developed a deep connection, and who, just eight months before it was moved, Mavericks led to the final run of the NBA.
They are still signed by MAVS jerseys. Clean class.
pic.twitter.com/panls5off
– Showtime Luka (@Showtimeluka) 20 February 2025
Here’s what they said:
Helina Hail, 24 years, model
“I remember exactly where I was. I was sitting on my bed. It was 11 at night. My phone didn’t meet.
“I had to get the jersey Luky Lakers because I will support him forever. He did a lot for us, franchise. He did not deserve what happened to him. He will have my support forever.”
Kelly Blair, 41 years, designer of educational technology
“We were holders of seasonal tickets, but we are no longer holders of seasonal tickets because of the way they managed the business. It just seemed like a dirty business. I think (Dončić) was really good.
Kelly Blair and her husband, Jacob, are many Mavericks fans still supporting Luka Dončić, who has been with Lakers since February. (Photo with kind permission of Kelly Blair)
Chancellor Rose, 29 years old, sale
“I was quite upset. I thought it wasn’t real. I thought someone was playing with me.
“I will still be a MAVS fan, but now I am also more fans of Lakers. I will watch the bow. I have to support my player. It’s like a gentle protest. I won’t protest outside the stadium. But showing support for a guy.”
Brett Price, 30, Marketing
“I’ve been a MAVS fan for a long time. Honestly, I was angry for a while. I was a fan of Dirk forever. I’m a big franchise player. I didn’t watch sports too much, but I would always come to the game and watch the dir.
“We liked to go out and watch the bow playing. It stinks. I don’t want to throw hatred and shadow at anyone who has decided. I know it was a business step.
Jake camp, 39, host Talk Show
“I don’t know that there will be a moment when it will be over and it is processed and there is closure. Maybe 9th April will help a little. I’m sad. I’m sad like a sports fan. On your backyard it is certainly much easier to get into sports.
“Watching (Dončić) playing basketball brings me joy. It brings the joy of other people. I like the feeling when I watch him play. The fact that his bosses decided not to work with him – I think it’s a unique situation.
“I grew up to hate the Lakers like any Mavericks fan. But I will forget that feeling – and unfortunately I felt – when I am Had on purple and gold. You look in the mirror and you are like, “Oh my God. This is a great jersey.”
(Upper photo: Adam Hagy / NBAE through Getty Images)
