Luka Doncic is back in Dallas for the first time from the blockbuster trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Doncic was a shocking trade in February, with Anthony Davis being one of the players the Mavericks had signed.
Since then, Mavs general manager Nico Harrison has been No. 1 public opposition in Dallas. Fans have not allowed him to trade global superstars at the height of his career.
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Los Angeles Lakers' Gardolka Donsic responds while watching a tribute video before his match against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
That continued on Wednesday with numerous “Fire Nico” signs as Doncic and the Lakers arrived in Dallas.
The arena was filled with white shirts from his native Slovenians saying, “Thank you all.”
Just before the game, the franchise respected him with the video compliments, and Doncic became emotional.
Harrison said he made a deal to improve his team's defense since the arrival of the NBA Finals. Davis' Mavericks debut made him injured (he's back), and Kyrie Irving later tore the ACL.
Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has posted regular numbers, averaging 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists, making the Lakers a serious candidate.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic fans will keep an autograph before the game between the Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
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But aside from defense, Doncic would have been in a contract match with the Mavs. His $207 million extension expired this year, with him scheduled for a Super Max deal of over $340 million. Additionally, he may have opted out of other deals with Dallas. That's why Harrison wanted security.
“We feel like we're ahead of the turbulent summer. He's qualified for Super Max and can opt out of his contract a year away from him,” Harrison said shortly after the deal was over. “So it really felt like we came out before that, we know the team.
The Lakers who will be on Wednesday were 48-31 and finished third in the Western Conference. It will be their best finish since winning the NBA title in 2020.
Los Angeles Lakers Girdle Cadoncic responds while watching a tribute video before a match against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
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However, there is only one game behind the rankings with four teams. This allows you to drop them seventh and put them in the play-in tournament.
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