Dallas Mavericks lose nearly 1 million Instagram followers after trading Luka Dončić to Lakers

DALLAS - The Dallas Mavericks have lost nearly one million Instagram followers since trading Luka Dončić to the LA Lakers.

By the numbers:

• Before the trade, the Mavericks had more than 5.3 million Instagram followers.
• In the three days since the trade, their follower count has dropped to 4.6 million.
• Overall, the Mavericks have lost more than 700,000 followers—and the number continues to decline.
• Luka has gained nearly 400,000 new Instagram followers since the trade, according to RotoGrinders.
• The LA Lakers have gained over 185,000 followers.

Not only did the Mavericks lose hundreds of thousands of followers, but they also lost a follow from Dončić himself. However, he still follows the Dallas Cowboys, showing some continued support for the city.

Fan Reaction

Mavericks fans say they feel like they’re living a nightmare.

Many gathered outside the American Airlines Center after the trade to protest and mourn the loss of their star player. Some even brought a casket and held a mock funeral for Dončić’s time with the team.

Most fans described their reaction to the trade as shock.

"Luka, you were supposed to stay here forever. We love you, Luka. My kids were supposed to watch you," said Miguel Castro, who drove two hours from Cleburne to be at the AAC.

Viral Moments

"This is the worst moment of my life," said Finesse Fave. "Luka filled that stadium. Who’s going to fill it now?"

A viral video FOX 4 posted of a longtime fan reacting to the trade has been viewed millions of times.

"I went through the five stages of grief," Finesse Fave told FOX 4’s Mike Doocy and Sam Gannon. "At this point, we have to accept the truth that he’s been traded."

The video has been stitched hundreds of times across social media, with basketball fans editing footage of Dončić to Finesse’s heartbroken voice in the background. These videos have also garnered millions of views.

Other public figures in Dallas and beyond, including Patrick Mahomes, have shared their shock over the trade.

Full Trade Details

• Dallas Mavericks receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 Lakers first-round pick
• Los Angeles Lakers receive: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
• Utah Jazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers second-round pick, 2025 Mavericks second-round pick

What's next:

The Mavericks’ next game is Tuesday, Feb. 4, against the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.

Newly acquired forward Anthony Davis has been ruled out of Tuesday’s game with an abdominal strain.

Max Christie is listed as questionable due to the trade.

The Lakers have not announced when Dončić will make his debut in L.A. because he has been out with an injury since Christmas. However, sports analysts predict he could return as soon as Saturday.