DALLAS, Texas (KETK) -“Loyalty Never Fades” are the words that sit underneath the statue of Dirk Nowitzki outside of the American Airlines Center (AAC). Nowitzki’s statue unexpectedly became the backdrop for grieving Mavericks fans this weekend who were looking for answers after the Mavericks front office made a mockery of the words under Nowitzki’s statue stood for.
The organization shocked their loyal fans after they announced they traded away the face of the franchise, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers. Doncic, 25, has been with the Mavericks since he was drafted in 2018. During his time with Dallas, Doncic was one of the most dominant players in the league while leading the Mavericks to the Finals just last summer.


A number of fans who were grieving Doncic no longer being with the team went as far as hosting a “funeral” for Doncic outside the AAC on Sunday afternoon. The “funeral” was attended by hundreds of Mavericks fans who gave their sentiments on Doncic’s departure while also stating their anger with the team, especially towards general manager Nico Harrison, who orchestrated Doncic’s departure.

A letter was posted on Luka’s “casket” by fans that said:
“Dear Mavs front office and Nico Harrison, ‘loyalty never fades away’ obviously that’s not true to y’all. Luka loved this team and he loved this city. He deserves so much more than what y’all gave him.Luka I love you, go continue to be great. I’ve never been more disappointed to be a Mavs Fans For Life (MFFL). Y’all just gave a generational top 10 player in NBA history away for almost nothing. I wish this was a hoke but its not. Thank you 77, you brough me so much joy.”
Once Doncic’s “funeral” ended, many fans still continued to gather outside the AAC throughout the night to pay their respects to the former franchise star, who has become one of the most beloved players in team history. A number of fans donated their Doncic’s jerseys to the shrine that was created for him outside the AAC.
Doncic took to his X account where he said he wished he spent his career in Dallas and brought his fans a championship:

Doncic will return to Dallas on April 9 with the Lakers and is likely to get a warm reception from fans.