Dallas sports fans have had a rough calendar year as the Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs, while the Dallas Mavericks inexplicably traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
While the Cowboys have faltered in recent years, the Mavericks rose to prominence with Doncic as they made the NBA Finals in 2024. He was considered the next great Dallas athlete, but the Mavericks organization’s decision to trade him removed that possibility and the fans are now forced to see him thrive with the Lakers.
Doncic was beloved in Dallas as he gave basketball fans reason to hope for another title, but the superstar has grown to love his new home in Los Angeles. In fact, Doncic is reportedly expected to sign an extension with the Lakers this offseason as they look to try and build a championship-caliber roster with him in mind.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones knows exactly what it’s like when Dallas has a team worth cheering for and has grown close with the athletes in town over the years. When asked about the Doncic trade, Jones called him a personal friend and even revealed that his wife cried when the deal was made official, via 105.3 The Fan:
Doncic and Jones being friends isn’t necessarily surprising given how close in terms of proximity they were, but also given that professional sports is a niche circle. While Jones admitted it was disappointing to see the Mavericks trade Doncic away, he offered his perspective as a team owner and said that he can see why such a hard choice can be made.
However, Jones’ comments aren’t going to ease the pain and frustration Mavericks fans have regarding the Doncic trade as they have been incredibly vocal with their displeasure. Fans have taken every opportunity to bash the new regime of general manager Nico Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont and deservedly so given how much Doncic meant to the city and the franchise.
Luka Doncic got the best of his former team in his first game back in Dallas during the 2024-25 season, a cathartic experience for the star guard. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, it appears Doncic will get another crack at the Mavericks as the Lakers are set to play them in a preseason game in Las Vegas.
