Luka Doncic wasn't expected to finish the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas Mavericks fans were fond of the 6-foot-6 Slovenian phenom during his 6.5-year tenure with the organization.

The move was so controversial that it led to protests and calls for the firing of the team's general manager, Nico Harrison. Doncic, drafted third overall in 2018 and acquired by the Mavericks in a draft-day trade, had been the face of the franchise since taking over from Dirk Nowitzki.