Mavericks Fans Protest Luka Dončić Trade to Lakers
DALLAS — Mavericks fans gathered outside the American Airlines Center on Saturday to protest the blockbuster trade that sent franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The protest, which began hours before the Mavericks’ game against the Houston Rockets, saw fans expressing their anger and disappointment over the trade, with some calling for the firing of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.
Signs carried by protesters ranged from expressions of love for Dončić to direct criticism of Harrison, with one fan even wearing a trash bag emblazoned with the words “Fire Nico.” Digital billboards were also purchased by fans, with messages like “He was supposed to have a statue,” referencing Dončić’s legacy in Dallas. The protest remained peaceful, with organizers emphasizing their desire to voice frustration without causing disruption.
Anthony Davis, who made his Mavericks debut in the game, acknowledged the emotional toll the trade has taken on fans. “I understand it, and obviously it’s a business, and I get who Luka was to this franchise, to this city,” Davis said during his introductory press conference. “But it’s my job to come in, play basketball, and do what I’m supposed to do, and give the fans hope and reassurance on why [Harrison] brought me here.”
Davis delivered a strong performance in his debut, scoring 24 points in the first half before exiting the game in the third quarter with a non-contact injury. He later downplayed the severity of the injury, stating it was “nothing serious.” The Mavericks went on to defeat the Rockets 116-105, but the victory did little to quell the discontent among fans.
Harrison defended the trade, citing Dončić’s conditioning and defensive shortcomings as reasons for the move, while emphasizing Davis’ fit into the team’s culture. However, the explanation has done little to appease fans, many of whom view the trade as a betrayal of Dončić’s contributions to the franchise, including leading the team to the NBA Finals just seven months prior.
As the Mavericks move forward with Davis, the front office faces mounting pressure to justify the trade and prove that the team can remain competitive in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, fans continue to mourn the loss of Dončić, whose departure marks the end of an era for the franchise.
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www.cbssports.comFans protest Luka Dončić trade outside Mavericks arena, as Anthony Davis makes debut in Dallas
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