The Dallas Mavericks have experienced a staggering decline in Instagram followers after announcing the shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The move sent shock waves throughout the NBA, leaving fans in disbelief as the face of the franchise was shipped to Los Angeles.

Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick were given as compensation. The Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks in the three-team deal.

A Franchise-Altering Trade

Since 2011, he has cemented himself as one of the league’s premier superstars. Despite his success, the Mavericks’ front office drastically changed the roster, with defensive concerns and long-term flexibility being the primary factors in the trade. The decision was defended by Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who stated,

“Anthony Davis’ defensive prowess gives us a better chance to win now and in the future. Luka is an incredible talent, but we needed a stronger presence inside.”

Doncic, who is 25 and an MVP candidate, was the NBA’s top scorer last season with 33.9 points per game while averaging 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists. Dallas’ success relied heavily on his offensive prowess, making his departure even more surprising.

Fan Backlash Hits Mavericks’ Social Media Hard

The Mavericks fans reacted quickly and unforgivingly. Social media was filled with outrage after the trade announcement, and many fans unfollowed the team on Instagram in protest. The emotional investment fans had in Doncic was evident when the Mavericks lost over 700,000 followers by Sunday morning.

“Not just trading him but kinda throwing him under the bus with their reasoning too. They didn’t have to say all that when he just took them to a Finals,” said one X user.

Lakers Land Their Future Star

Dallas is facing criticism while the Lakers are celebrating their acquisition of a player who many believed would remain untouchable. Teaming up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Doni gives Los Angeles a lethal Big Three, if LeBron and Davis are both on board.

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, LeBron James was unaware of the trade before it took place, adding another layer of drama to the already impressive move. Davis had advocated for the Lakers to acquire a center that would work with him instead of replacing him. Devin Booker, who is part of the Suns team, was equally surprised when he learned about the deal during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

“They said Luka. I said, ‘Luka Garza?’” Booker recalled, referencing the Minnesota Timberwolves center. “It’s crazy, man. Luka was supposed to be untradeable. The NBA is wild.”

Added Kevin Durant: “Insane. If Luka can get traded, then anybody is up for grabs.

A New Era for Dallas and Los Angeles

This trade is a sign of a risky new era for the Mavericks. Davis, despite being one of the league’s top two-way players, has endured injuries throughout his career. Max Christie and a future first-round pick add depth and potential, but losing Doni will be hard to overcome.

Los Angeles is placing significant wagers on Doni to become their franchise’s next great superstar. At 25, he has already drawn comparisons to legendary figures like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. If he can lead the Lakers to another championship with LeBron and Davis, this trade could be a pivotal moment in recent NBA history.

As for the Instagram followers of the Mavericks? They may continue to shrink for some time.