The fallout from the Dallas Mavericks’ shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers continues, with ticket prices at the American Airlines Center plummeting since the deal. According to data, the average purchase price for Mavericks home games has dropped 40%, falling from $187 before the trade to just $112 after Doncic’s departure.
Meanwhile, Lakers ticket prices have surged, rising from an average of $253 before the trade to $303 after, an increase of 19%. The numbers tell a clear story—Mavericks fans are feeling the loss of their franchise superstar, while Lakers fans are eager to witness Doncic’s new era in Los Angeles.
The drop in demand for Mavericks tickets is hardly surprising. Before the trade, Doncic was the face of the franchise, and Dallas was coming off a trip to the NBA Finals. His departure left a massive void, and while the arrival of Anthony Davis was meant to soften the blow, his injury just two games into his Mavericks tenure has made things even worse.
Without Doncic, and now without Davis for at least a month, Dallas is struggling to maintain its status as a premier attraction. Fans who once packed the arena to watch Doncic’s dazzling offensive displays now find themselves watching a team trying to rediscover its identity.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have become the hottest ticket in town. Doncic’s arrival has rejuvenated a franchise already boasting LeBron James, and the energy at Crypto.com Arena has reached a fever pitch.
The Lakers are 9-2 since acquiring Doncic, and his chemistry with James has made them legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. Every game now carries extra significance, and Lakers fans are willing to pay the price to see their new superstar in action.
The latest meeting between the two teams showcased the stark contrast between their current trajectories. The Lakers pulled off a gritty 107-99 win over the Mavericks, with Doncic recording his first triple-double in purple and gold.
He finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, and two blocks, though he struggled with efficiency, shooting 6-17 from the field and 1-7 from three-point range.
LeBron James, as he has done countless times in his career, took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of his 27 points in the final period to seal the victory. James also contributed 12 rebounds and three assists, shooting 11-17 from the field and 2-4 from deep.
For the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving carried the offensive load, scoring 35 points on 12-27 shooting, including 5-11 from three. Klay Thompson caught fire in the fourth quarter, adding 22 points and eight rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ late-game dominance.
The game itself was an intensely physical battle, especially in the second half, as referees allowed more contact. The post-All-Star stretch of the season often brings heightened physicality, and this matchup was no exception.
With playoff seeding battles heating up, the stakes are rising, but in Dallas, it’s clear the excitement has waned. The Mavericks may have made their choice, but their fans seem to be making theirs too—by staying home.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your s support.
