Luka Doncic sat on the bench, lips quivering with blood-shot eyes. He was in tears as a tribute video grappled the jumbotron in the American Airlines Center. April 9 was a heavy day, emotionally charged, not just for the adopted Texan, but for Dallas as a whole. Their homeboy was a rival now, but the love? Unchanged. “I love the fans. I love this city, but it’s time to move on,” the Slovenian star said after the game. And maybe, just maybe, it was the day that Doncic became a true Laker.

But at the same time, you cannot take the city out of the man. For Luka, Texas was his home for almost a decade. He desperately wanted to end his career with the Mavericks. Follow Dirk Nowitzki’s path, not for the glory but for the loyalty that came with it. Sadly, things turned out differently for Luka Magic. However, his love for the Dallas community hasn’t shifted a tad bit despite moving to LA.

On Wednesday, after ravishing the Dallas Mavericks in his Purple and Gold jersey, chipping in 45 points, the 26-year-old stayed back in the city. The Lakers flew back to LA, but Luka? Oh, he had some plans. Less than a day after pouring his heart out on the court, Luka Doncic stayed back in Dallas. No rest, no escape. Just hours after an emotionally charged performance, he showed up—smiling, present, and fully there—for the city that adores him. At the Sporting Goods store, surrounded by buzzing fans and excited kids, Doncic hosted the Luka 4 sneaker release with the kind of grace only he could bring.

Doncic connected with the crowd. He answered questions, met young athletes, and even joined a few lucky fans at the checkout line to admire their fresh pairs. To be honest, he didn’t truly have to do what he did. He could’ve chosen LA and tapped out. No one would’ve blamed Luka if he had said he was tired from the game. But Doncic stayed. Because that’s who he is—a player who plays for more than just points. A man who knows that moments like these matter. Especially when the heart is still catching up to the game.

This is the star Patrick Dumont & Co. pushed out. Their once-upon-a-time star boy is now making waves in LA. What can the Mavericks’ front office do amidst all the rage and heartbreak? They took some urgent roads for damage control, and they did just that. But then, success in this case becomes a big question.

Amidst Luka Doncic’s special gesture for the Dallas community, Patrick Dumont takes extreme measures for fans

Something must heal the Maverick Nation’s broken hearts. The loud cheers of “Fire Nico!” indeed live fresh in the minds of the franchise. Therefore, a diversion is a must, and what else could be better than bringing back Fan Appreciation Night? So, April 11 is celebrated as the Dallas Mavericks Fan Appreciation Night each year. It’s a special night when the fans come together at the American Airlines Center to celebrate their loyalty to the franchise.

Dr. Pepper has joined hands with Patrick Dumont & Co. for the event this year. Most importantly, the special fans’ night is said to have theme nights and other special segments, including music, dance, and more. But in light of the recent events, will the Fan Appreciation Night be perfect like every year? Because the fans on social media aren’t particularly happy with such moves. “‘Fan appreciation’ literally does not exist in this franchise after trading away the heart of our franchise. Such a joke,” one of the fans commented on X. And to be honest, you’ll find more such comments of similar tone all over the internet.

Still, no tribute night or themed celebration can quiet the ache of losing someone who felt like home. While Patrick Dumont scrambles for quick fixes, the void Luka Doncic left behind runs deep. The cheers may return, but the trust? That takes time. And sometimes, a lifetime.