It's been a few days, but the passionate – okay, let's call it angry – reaction from Mavericks fans to the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers is not easing. Some would say that fan resentment toward team management is still brewing.

In response to the conditioning rumors, Dončić said it was a “big motive” to prove the Mavericks’ brass wrong this season, and he could get his first chance as soon as Saturday when the Lakers host the Indiana Pacers. It would mark the first game the five-time All-Star has played in since suffering a calf injury on Christmas Day.

LOS ANGELES – Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith long had hoped to be teammates again, as they were in Dallas from 2018 to 2023, when Finney-Smith was dealt to Brooklyn in the Kyrie Irving blockbuster.