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.

Fans told ESPN that the Mavericks have offered refunds to those who have canceled season tickets in the wake of the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers.

Many were puzzled by what Dallas received in sending its generational superstar to Los Angeles, including longtime NBA executives.