The shockwaves from Luka Doncic's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers continue to reverberate through Dallas. Some Mavericks fans have taken their grief to dramatic new heights, staging a mock funeral outside the American Airlines Center. Clad in black suits, fans carried a coffin adorned with Doncic jerseys and shirts, playing Wiz Khalifa's "See You Again" to amplify the somber atmosphere. One fan even cried out "Why?!" as the procession reached the arena steps.

This theatrical display of disappointment reflects the widespread disbelief and denial among Mavericks fans. The trade, which sent Doncic and Maxi Kleber to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a draft pick (with the Utah Jazz also involved), stunned the NBA community. Doncic, a five-time All-Star and Western Conference Finals MVP, was widely considered a cornerstone of the Mavericks' future.

Doncic himself acknowledged the emotional impact of the trade in a farewell message to fans. While he expressed gratitude for the support he received in Dallas, he notably omitted any mention of the Mavericks organization itself.

He spoke of Dallas feeling like a "home away from home" and thanked fans for their unwavering support, highlighting the strong bond he forged with the city and its people during his seven years with the team.

The trade has drawn reactions from across the sports world, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who expressed his dismay on social media. The move also has significant financial implications for Doncic, preventing him from signing a lucrative supermax contract extension with the Mavericks.

Mavericks GM Nico Harrison defended the trade as a "win-now" move, citing the competitive landscape of the league and the uncertainty surrounding Doncic's future contract. He suggested the trade was a proactive measure to avoid potential complications down the line.

In their first game after the trade, the Mavericks suffered a heavy defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlighting the challenges they face in the wake of losing their star player.