Luka Doncic Trade Shakes NBA as Mavericks CEO Faces Fan Backlash

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade, leaving Dallas Mavericks fans outraged and their CEO admitting he underestimated the reaction.

The Los Angeles Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks on February 1 to acquire Luka Doncic, a five-time All-Star and 2023-2024 scoring leader.
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts admitted he underestimated the intensity of fan backlash over trading Doncic, who was the face of the franchise since 2019.
Doncic has been dealing with a calf injury but is expected to play without significant minutes restrictions starting with the Lakers' game against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
A rescinded trade for Hornets center Mark Williams, due to a failed physical, has left the Lakers searching for a long-term solution at the center position to complement Doncic.
Rich Paul, agent for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, revealed that the trade's secrecy was pivotal in its completion, as prior knowledge could have derailed the deal.