Deeply Hurt Luka Doncic Still Struggling to Process Being Traded Away, Causing Dallas Mavericks to Lose Over $100 Million Ahead of Much-Anticipated Return as a Laker

The day that the people in Dallas were patiently waiting for has finally arrived. Tonight, the Lakers will take on the Mavericks in a contest that will mark the return of Dallas' favorite son Luka Doncic to the American Airlines Center. However, what will act as a pinch of salt is that the Slovenian will be in the opposition camp, vying to beat the side that he proudly represented for seven years.

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Luka Doncic Still Hurt for Being Traded Away

More than two months have passed to the jolting trade move that saw Luka Doncic's unexpected exit from the Dallas Mavericks, and the time has come for Luka to return to his former home as an opponent this time. While it is set to be an emotional homecoming, it can be asserted that the relationship between the Doncic and the franchise is no longer the same. Rather it has been tarnished, so much so that he is not willing to endorse the Mavericks.

Tim MacMahon reported that the Dallas Mavericks had secured several lucrative sponsorships deals for their matchup against the Lakers, many of which featured Luka Doncic. However, Doncic reportedly used his influence to block these partnerships from moving forward, impacting his former team.

“Team sources told ESPN that the Mavs had also lined up lucrative sponsorship deals for Wednesday’s game, with multiple companies that Doncic endorses, but those deals fell apart after Doncic’s camp declined to give its blessing, pointedly noting that he now plays for the Lakers,” McMahon said.

According to McMahon, the Dallas Mavericks franchise expects to lose over $100 million due to Luka Doncic's actions. The team continues to suffer financially from the trade fallout, indicating Doncic is still upset about his sudden departure, a sentiment he has openly given air to.

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Luka Doncic Hit By Sudden Transition

The sudden transfer to LA Lakers hasn't been easy for Doncic to process. The star guard is evidently still acclimatising to the environment of his new franchise. In his media availability ahead of his return to Dallas, Doncic spoke about his feelings with the media.

“I know it’s been two months or something, but still adapting a little bit,” Doncic said. “It was a big change. But it’s getting better.”

While he is still adjusting, his performance hasn't been affected. Doncic has been consistently producing top-notch numbers for the Lakers day in and day out. He did have a quiet start to the stint but quickly picked up to the extent that he is now averaging 27.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists with the Lakers.