LOS ANGELES —- The Dallas Mavericks traded away their 25-year-old franchise star player, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
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And during Tuesday night's matchup between the two teams, nearly 20,000 fans in Crypto.com Arena rang out chants directed at Mavs GM Nico Harrison.
"Thank You Nico," was heard from the LA crowd while Luka was shooting free throws.
Lakers fans chanting:
“THANK YOU NICO” 🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/rXDUpVzwdj
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) February 26, 2025
To point out, this was in contrast to the "Fire Nico" chants that have been heard at the Mavs' American Airlines Center.
In his first game vs. his former team, the Slovenian superstar put up a triple-double (19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists) to go with three steals and two blocks.
Undoubtedly, Luka had this game marked on his calendar, as he looked to be out for blood.
That is, throughout the night, the 5x All-Star was seen giving multiple stare-downs to his former team's bench.
Luka hit back-to-back threes and stared down the Mavs bench 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mS6rLqqlAU
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 26, 2025
After Luka's stellar performance in the Lakers' 107-99 win over the Mavs, he now becomes the youngest player all time to record a triple-double vs. every NBA team.
Mavs GM Nico Harrison watching Luka Doncic warm up for his first game vs. the Mavs.
(via @BenGolliver) pic.twitter.com/upJTXnC0MO
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 26, 2025
In view of why Nico and the Mavs front office traded their 2018 draft pick, in exchange for 31-year-old big man Anthony Davis, it was evidently done due to concerns over Luka's constant conditioning concerns and weight issues.
With this in mind, seemingly Luka has slimmed down since he was first acquired (rumored weight 270 pounds).
slim luka 👀 pic.twitter.com/8YGMQy5a6e
— buckets (@buckets) February 25, 2025
To note, another revenge matchup is on the schedule, as Luka's homecoming game will take place on April 9 when the Mavs host the Lakers (7:30 pm) in Dallas.
Average Purchase Price Before & After Luka Trade:
Lakers Home Games:
Before Trade: $253
After Trade: $303 (+19%)Mavs Home Games:
Before Trade: $187
After Trade: $112 (-40%)(Via @TickPick ) pic.twitter.com/R882ZvIllw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 26, 2025
Related: Mavs Fan Kicked Out Of Arena After Mouthing 'Fire Nico' On Jumbotron
