Dallas Mavericks fans were devastated when the franchise superstar Luka Dončić was traded. But their love and loyalty never wavered.

On Wednesday night, Dončić made his highly anticipated return to American Airlines Center, not as a Maverick, but as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. This was his first visit since that shocking trade, which took fans by surprise as it came out of nowhere, with no prior indication or request from Dončić himself.

As he stepped onto the court, the arena erupted into a thunderous standing ovation, a powerful tribute from the fans who had adored him. Right before the cheers, an emotional video played, showcasing his unforgettable moments with the Mavericks, bringing him to tears.

Just 25 years old at the time of his trade, Dončić had already cemented his legacy as a Mavericks icon. Over seven incredible seasons, he was named an All-NBA player five times, became a five-time All-Star, and took home the scoring title for the 2023-24 season, alongside being the April 2019 Rookie of the Year and the previous season's Western Conference Finals MVP.

His contributions were phenomenal—leading the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals and setting franchise records for points per game (28.6), career triple-doubles (80), and player efficiency rating (25.7). Many fans believed he would follow in the footsteps of Dirk Nowitzki and spend his entire career in Dallas, making his trade even harder to bear.

Dončić's return was more than just a game; it was a reminder of everything he brought to Dallas and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of Mavericks fans.