The Dallas Mavericks’ trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the NBA world. Doncic’s return to the American Airlines Center is nearing, and Mavericks fans and media members have been discussing it in droves. The Mavericks’ trade sparked backlash and protests, and even caused Mavericks power forward PJ Washington to tell reporters that the team is “sick and tired” of hearing the “fire Nico” chants at games. But, at the end of the day, Mavericks could and should support Doncic in his return. Here’s why.
Dallas Mavericks Fans’ Mixed Emotions
There have been countless headlines surrounding Dallas Mavericks fans’ protests about the Luka Doncic trade, but some Mavericks fans have a wide variety of emotions. Take, for example, Mavericks fan Chris Hernandez. Hernandez, 30, became a season-ticket holder in 2018, but the events of February 1 triggered a change of heart. Hernandez simply detached himself from the team and refused to renew his season tickets.
Longtime moderator of the r/Mavericks sub on Reddit Tomas Espinoza remains active on the sub but tries to steer clear of the negativity that can come with the variety of opinions. Espinoza plans to use the 2025 NBA offseason to step back and reassess if he wants to remain as engaged on the sub, but he’s optimistic for the Mavericks’ future.
Dallas Mavericks Fans Should Shift Focus
Dallas Mavericks fans should shift their focus to supporting Luka Doncic on Wednesday night instead of making the game about Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison. Both Harrison, 52, and Mavericks fans are in a no-win situation with little to no control over the circumstances.
Mavericks fan and Abilene neurosurgeon Leslie Hutchins told The Dallas Morning News, “I just feel like it’s a no-win situation on both ends … But I think what we need to do as Maverick fans is to support Luka and not make it about Nico [Harrison] and about the trade, but support him and what he’s brought to Dallas.”
Though not a Mavericks season ticket holder, Hutchins, 43, drove the five-hour commute to Dallas to attend nearly 20 games this season and will attend Doncic’s return on Wednesday. Hutchins’ perspective stems from her biracial identity and her previous one-year boycott of the team after they traded Jason Kidd to the Phoenix Suns on December 26, 1996. Hutchins later understood that trades are a natural part of sports.
Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd is known to keep it real. Kidd, 52 believes Mavericks fans have the right and should cheer for Doncic. After Tuesday’s practice, Kidd said, “There’s no doubt that (the fans) have that right and they should cheer for him. He’s has entertained since his rookie year … I think it’s safe to say that they should cheer. But for us, it’s about trying to find a way to win.”
Kidd said of the atmosphere inside the American Airlines Center, “It is emotional, I think, anytime anybody is traded … So, coming back for the first time or even the second time or even the third time — because of the memories of being able to get to the Western Conference Finals or to be able to get to the (NBA) Finals, or to be an All-Star – the things that he has done in a short amount of time is incredible.”
Dallas Mavericks Gameday
The Dallas Mavericks will welcome the Los Angeles Lakers to the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, KFAA, and SportsNet LA. It will surely be emotional for some, if not most, players, as Luka Doncic will return to downtown Dallas for the first time since the February trade.
Anthony Davis is aware that Tuesday’s game will probably be unlike any other regular-season game due to the atmosphere and emotions surrounding Doncic’s return. Davis, 32, can relate when he played for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2012 until the Pelicans traded him to the Lakers in 2019.
Davis said, “Just play basketball … They’ve never probably experienced anything like this. I’ve been traded before, so going back to New Orleans I’ve been through it. So, I kind of know what to expect and kind of know how to funnel those emotions and just play basketball.”
“But that’s what makes the game fun. That’s what makes basketball and sports fun and entertaining having games like (Wednesday) in the regular season, so it’s going to be fun. And I’ll do my job the best I can to kind of keep the guys together and not get too high and not get too low, but focus in on the game.”
Previously, Los Angeles defeated Dallas 107-99 at Crypto.com Arena on February 26, 2025. Luka Doncic finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists for his first triple-double for the Lakers. Doncic warmly greeted his former Mavericks teammates, but later took a few looks at the Mavericks’ bench. Doncic struggled with his shots, going 6-of-17, but was credited with an assist to LeBron James for a clinching layup with 32 seconds left.
