Luka Doncic banners taken down at the American Airlines Center

The Dallas Mavericks have started on the awkward task of trying to erase references to Luka Doncic. The superstar was the face of the franchise until Saturday night.

With the abrupt decision to trade him to Los Angeles, the Mavs must now refocus their identity.

Luka Doncic traded to L.A. Lakers

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 09, 2024 in Oklahoma City

It was a play die-hard Mavericks fans didn’t see coming.

The Mavs traded Doncic to the Lakers over the weekend, along with fellow players Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.

In return, the Mavs got 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.

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What they're saying:

"It’s unbelievable, man. It’s honestly unbelievable," said one fan who stopped by the American Airlines Center.

"I’m actually going to cancel my season tickets today, but I wanted to stop by one more time," added Mavs fan Juan Bell.

The fan fallout could prove to be a problem for the Mavs, at least in the short term.

Nearly 1 million fans have unfollowed the team on social media since Saturday, including Doncic, who is already in L.A.

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Luka Doncic trade: Dallas Mavericks fan gather at AAC to show frustration

The Dallas Mavericks are playing in Cleveland on Sunday, but fans still showed up to the American Airlines Center to express their frustration with the team's decision to trade Luka Dončić.

The other side:

"As an agent, I understand that they believe that this was in the best interest of making the team a contender for a championship," said Walter Musgrove, an NBA-certified agent. 

But Musgrove said the trade could have huge ramifications if the new players don’t perform.

By perform, he means win a championship, especially considering the Mavs made it all the way to the Finals last year with Doncic leading the charge.

The face of the Dallas Mavericks

On Monday morning, a giant banner featuring Doncic was removed from the side of the American Airlines Center.

His image is featured on countless other banners, advertisements, and promotional items.

Even the team’s official team website still prominently features Doncic’s No. 77 jerseys next to the link for the fan shop. 

"Really what it comes down to as a fan and especially an agent is who will now be the face of the Mavericks," Musgrove asked?

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Luka Doncic writes letter to Mavs fans after trade

Luka Dončić wrote a letter to Mavericks fans on Sunday after news broke that he was going to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Read it here.

Although the team is adjusting its identity, Doncic will still have a place alongside Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki on a mural in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas.

The muralist who painted it hopes it remains untouched.

"I feel sad. I feel happy we got to show appreciation to Luka while he was in Dallas," said Juan Valazquez, the artist.

The Source: The information in this story comes from interviews with NBA agent Walter Musgrove, artist Juan Valazquez, Dallas Mavericks fans, and past news coverage.

Dallas MavericksSports