It’s that time of year when the NBA is about to get a lot less serious. After the trade deadline shook up the NBA community in the first week of the month, February has rolled on to the middle. Now, it’s time for a much-needed break from the monotony of the regular season and something a little more entertaining on the floor. The league’s biggest stars come together for a show filled with excitement and drama. Yes, it’s the All-Star weekend. With adrenaline rushing through the fans, they’re eager to spot the stars they’ve been waiting for on the lineup. While the lights shine brightly on others, one familiar face won’t be spotted– Luka Doncic.

The plan for this season hasn’t come anywhere close to what Doncic envisioned. After coming so close to the championship title last season, the expectation was that he would lead the Mavs back to the NBA Finals and this time, there would be no missing the final goal, along with his well-deserved MVP title. But gradually, the cracks in the bubble started to show. First, it was his knee, followed by a wrist injury that kept him on the bench. Just as he was recovering from a foot pain, the bubble finally burst on Christmas Day. What should have been a joyous occasion turned into a nightmare for both Dallas and the Slovenian star, as he strained his left calf in a game against the Timberwolves.

The news broke that Doncic would be out for at least a month, and by the time he was sidelined, he had already missed too many games to be considered in the MVP race. Moreover, when the All-Star selection and draft took place, the 25-year-old had been absent for a significant chunk of games, 22 to be specific, weakening his chances of making it onto the star-studded list. But that didn’t stop his fans from showing their love through votes.

Despite injury Luka Doncic got back up from fans while his life changed

After his rookie season, Luka Doncic proved his worth by earning a spot in the All-Star game, sharing the stage with the league’s biggest names. Since his debut in the 2020 NBA All-Star game, he has been consistent in the lineup. After five years of participation, his supporters were eager to see him make his sixth appearance. So, votes flooded in his favor.

Doncic reportedly received 1.6 million votes. Yes, you read that right. That was the third-highest vote total from fans for the guards in the game. If the decision had been entirely in the hands of the fans, Doncic would have probably been in the Bay Area over the weekend.

However, the fans had 50% say in it. The remaining 50% was split equally between his NBA peers and the NBA media panel, as per rules. And the common sentiment was a no to Doncic because of his fitness issues after the calf injury.

The 25-year-old was still recovering from his injury then while his supporters were anxiously counting the days until his return. And suddenly the unthinkable happened. Overnight, Doncic was traded to the Lakers. The fans were already disheartened, and this only added to the chaos. They gathered at the Mavericks arena and flooded the internet with protests against the decision. But what’s done is done.

Doncic accepted his fate and moved forward, understanding that’s just how things work in the league. He is now part of the Purple and Gold and have suited up for two games with them. As for his absence from the All-Star game, “Like I said, you know, just mental break for me,” Doncic told reporters on Wednesday after their loss to the Jazz. So, what’s his plan for the break? “Work out and just trying to have some fun with the family,” he said.

Exploring LA could be part of his plan, as the Lakers star will be staying there for at least the next couple of months. So, don’t be surprised if you run into the Doncic family at a restaurant or a popular spot. It’s just them starting fresh in a new city and embracing a new lifestyle.