Dallas Mavericks lose close to 1 million Instagram followers after trading Luka Dončić to Lakers

Fave went viral for his emotional rant about the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Dončić. He spoke with FOX 4’s Mike Doocy and Sam Gannon about the disillusionment of Mavs fans and his plans for supporting the team in the future.

DALLAS – The Dallas Mavericks have seen a sharp decline in Instagram followers, losing almost one million since trading Luka Dončić to the LA Lakers.

Prior to the trade, the Mavericks boasted over 5.3 million followers on Instagram. In the three days following the trade, that number dropped to 4.6 million. The Mavericks have now lost more than 700,000 followers, and that figure continues to fall.

In addition to losing followers, the Mavericks also lost Dončić’s own follow. However, he continues to follow the Dallas Cowboys, indicating some ongoing support for the city.

Fan Reaction

Mavericks supporters are feeling as though they’re living through a nightmare.

Many fans gathered outside the American Airlines Center following the trade to protest and mourn the departure of their star player. Some even brought a coffin, holding a mock funeral to mark the end of Dončić’s time with the team.

The prevailing sentiment among fans was shock.

“Luka, you were meant to be here forever. We love you, Luka. My kids were supposed to watch you,” said Miguel Castro, who traveled two hours from Cleburne to attend the protest.

Viral Moments

“This is the worst moment of my life,” said Finesse Fave. “Luka filled that stadium. Who’s going to fill it now?”

A viral video posted by FOX 4 of a longtime fan reacting to the trade has amassed millions of views.

“I went through the five stages of grief,” Finesse Fave told FOX 4’s Mike Doocy and Sam Gannon. “At this point, we have to accept the truth that he’s been traded.”

The video has been remixed hundreds of times across social media, with users adding footage of Dončić to Finesse’s emotional voiceover. These posts have also received millions of views.

Other prominent figures in Dallas and beyond, such as Patrick Mahomes, have expressed their disbelief over the trade.

Full Trade Details

Dallas Mavericks receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 Lakers first-round pick

Los Angeles Lakers receive: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris

Utah Jazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers second-round pick, 2025 Mavericks second-round pick

What’s next:

The Mavericks will face off against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Philadelphia.

Newly acquired forward Anthony Davis will miss Tuesday’s game due to an abdominal strain.

Max Christie’s status for the game is uncertain because of the trade.

The Lakers have not announced when Dončić will make his debut in L.A., as he has been out with an injury since Christmas. However, sports analysts suggest he could return as early as Saturday.

The Source: Information in this article comes from Instagram, FOX 4 sports reporters, and Mavs fans.