Fans show support for Luka Doncic, anger at Mavs during Lakers showdown
Luka Doncic Returns to Dallas
While plenty of fans showed up to cheer Luka. They also showed up to rip on the guy who traded him away
DALLAS - Dallas Mavericks fans showed up at the American Airlines Center early ahead of Wednesday night's game against Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was Dončić's first game in Dallas since he was traded to the Lakers in a deal that made several Mavs supporters question their fandom.
Mavs fans at American Airlines Center express frustration
Several fans outside the AAC were wearing their Mavericks Luka jerseys, but there were several people in purple and gold.
Some fans told FOX 4 they flew in from Los Angeles just to attend tonight's game.
While the trade happened more than two months ago, for many, the pain is permanent.
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison watched the game from the tunnel while "Fire Nico" chants rained down from the crowd during stoppages during the game.
Some Mavs fans we talked to say MFFL now stands for Mavs Fans For Luka.
Dallas Mavs fans show love for Luka, anger at execs
Dallas Mavericks fans talked about their feelings about seeing Luka Doncic back at the AAC and anger toward the front office.
What they're saying:
"We still watch him on TV. We don't like the Lakers, but the boys talk about him. They shoot outside. We used to say Kobe, but now we say Luka when we shoot" said Mark Olvera.
"He was supposed to be carrying what Dirk built," said Asad Merchant.
"I'm devastated," said another Mavericks fan. "But I wanted to see my man."
"We came to thank the City of Dallas for sending Luka our way," said Lakers fan Rami Khater.
Ejected Mavs fans return to AAC to see Luka
VIDEO: Mavs eject fans protesting Luka Doncic trade
Mavs fans, who are angry about the trade of Luka Doncic, are being told to watch their words when they go to games from now on. Multiple fans were escorted out of the game Monday night.
Walker Duke and his friend were kicked out of a Mavericks-Kings game back on February 10.
During a karaoke segment, Duke mouthed "Fire Nico" to the camera. Later, he and his friend held up signs calling for the GM's job.
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 10: Dallas Mavericks fans hold up a sign referring to Mavs general manager Nico Harrison during the game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center on February 10, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Ge
The pair returned on Wednesday night with some new ideas up their sleeve.
They wouldn't even tell us about it.
"I don’t think they will ever show me again on camera," Duke said.
Lakers vs. Mavs: How to watch, stream
Luka Doncic arrives at American Airlines Center
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic arrives at the American Airlines Center ahead of his game against the Dallas Mavericks.
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Date: April 9, 2025
- Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: ESPN+
What they're saying:
Tonight's game will be the first showdown since the swap between Luka and the player he was traded for, Anthony Davis.
Dončić said on Tuesday that the return to the AAC will be "very emotional for me."
Dallas Mavericks radio announcer Chuck Cooperstein said he expects Wednesday night's game to be different from any he has ever broadcast.
"We've never seen anything like this, certainly in Dallas," Cooperstein said.
Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić ahead of first game in Dallas since trade
The Dallas Mavericks are paying tribute to former star Luka Dončić as he returns to AAC for the first time since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Many are comparing the game to LeBron James' return to Cleveland after leaving the Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat.
"That was pretty ugly. I don't think this will be ugly because Luka never asked out. Luka was traded," Cooperstein said. "Fans are going to be cheering for Luka, they're going to be cheering for the Mavericks, and it's going to be just a very, very strange sound in the building."
The Source: Information in this article comes from the NBA, Dallas Mavericks and fans at the American Airlines Center.