Monday night Luka Dončić made his Los Angeles Lakers debut. He scored in double digits and had a good game overall in his first action as a Laker.

“It was special the way they received me,” Dončić said to the media afterword. “It was amazing to see. I was a little nervous before. I can’t remember the last time I was nervous before the game, but once I stepped out on the court it was fun being out there again. It felt amazing.”

Dončić had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in his first action since his injury around Christmas. Luka was traded a week and a half ago for Anthony Davis, and Mavericks fans are still reeling from what could be one of the worst trades in NBA history.

Davis got injured in his first game for the Mavs, while Dončić played well in his first game with the Lakers. Dirk Nowitzki attended Dončić first game as a Laker, taking to X (formerly twitter) to explain his decision.

“I will always be a Mav for life, but had to come support my guy 77 @luka7doncic
in the first game of his new chapter!” Nowitzki posted.

Dončić will be a great addition for the Lakers, while Davis would be a good player for the Mavericks if he could ever stay healthy, something he has struggled with over his career.

Davis is expected to sit out multiple weeks because of a left adductor strain, according to ESPN.

“Just the leg got tight, like a little spasm,” Davis said Saturday to reporters. “Just came back and tried to get it loose and everything. Obviously, dealing with the ab strain still, so just tried to get it loose. It wouldn’t really loosen up and let go, but it’s nothing serious. I’m fine.”

Davis should be back, but it is hard for Mavericks fans to watch Luka have a great debut with his new team while Davis is already struggling with multiple injuries.

Dončić led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, so it seemed odd that the team would give up on the international superstar so quickly. New ownership didn’t want to pay the max deal for a guy they didn’t believe in.

My belief is that the trade will one day be looked upon as a terrible trade. Luka meant more to Mavericks fans than just a player or a team leader, he was a hero to many. Trading Luka will be proven to be a big mistake for the Mavericks, and I now think the Lakers could be a serious contender with Luka part of the team.

He will only get better and better as he gets comfortable with his new teammates and franchise, while Davis will sit on the bench with an injury.

I have a strong feeling it will be a very long time before Mavericks fans forgive Nico Harris, and the better Dončić does, the longer it will take the fans to forgive.