Dallas shocked the NBA world by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers nearly six months later, Mavericks CEO Rick Welts is still defending the move, even as his explanation leaves many people's heads behind.
Welts insists that the strong opposition from fans is not entirely negative. “You can’t have fear or regret in this business, it’s all about how you move forward,” Welters said. “…I learned the depth of connection between the Mavericks fans and this team. For me, it’s a half-glass because I know we can recover over time.
Mavericks CEO Rick continued to say if the team regrets the deal with Luka Dončić:
“You can't be afraid or regret in this business, it's all about how you move forward. …I learned the depth of connection between the Mavericks fans and this team.” #mffl
(🎥: @bloombergtv) pic.twitter.com/ftbto8jbzb
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@kevingraysports) July 30, 2025
It showed a compliment of “deep contact” when fans protested outside the American Airlines Center, demanding shots at the front desk and cancelled the season pass.
Welts continued to point as Luka returned to Dallas in his Lakers uniform, evidence that the organization handled things the right way.
“I also want to say how the organization was so proud of Luka's first game at the American Airlines Center when the organization was the Los Angeles Lakers,” he said. “If you watch that game, it's a chance for fans to say 'thank you'. I think you saw the emotions on Luka's face and you saw that night paying homage to Luka.
In fact, that night didn’t feel like a celebration. Fans chanted “Fire Nico” in seconds, frustrated by the frustration of losing the franchise star, and then watched Doncic Torch Dallas for 45 points in a revenge show.
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