Adam Silver shares message with Mavericks fans after Luka Doncic’s departure.
Adam Silver Addresses Mavericks Fans Following Luka Doncic Trade
After the Dallas Mavericks traded star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, Mavericks fans voiced their displeasure. Ahead of Anthony Davis’ debut, a protest was held outside the arena, and two fans were ejected after a heated argument with Mark Cuban. During his annual All-Star press conference, Adam Silver addressed the situation and had a message for Mavericks fans about the trade, according to Ben Golliver of the Washington Post.
“Whether history views it as a smart trade or not, [the Mavericks] made a decision they believed was best for their organization,” Silver stated. “[Mavericks fans] should have faith in their organization.”
Despite Silver’s words, Mavericks fans are likely to struggle with the Luka Doncic trade for a while. Adding to the frustration, Anthony Davis suffered an injury in his Dallas debut and is now out indefinitely.
On the other hand, the Lakers have gone 1-1 since Doncic’s debut, splitting a pair of games against the Utah Jazz, with one at home and one on the road.
In Davis’ Mavericks debut, he scored 26 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and dished out seven assists. In contrast, Doncic’s Lakers debut saw him tally 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
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Doncic’s arrival gives the Lakers a generational talent to lead them in the coming years. Last season, Doncic guided the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011.
Since the trade, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has faced harsh criticism from fans, with one fan appearing to mouth “fire Nico” while on the arena Jumbotron.
On the court, Davis’ injury could not have come at a worse time for the Mavericks. Their frontcourt is severely depleted due to injuries, with Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Dwight Powell all sidelined, in addition to Davis, as the All-Star break approaches.
As Silver mentioned, only time will reveal how history will judge the trade.
