When the news about Luka Dončić being traded to the Lakers broke, basketball enthusiasts globally were in disbelief. The timing, after the Mavericks’ recent finals appearance, left many including legendary figures puzzled.

Mavs fans expressed their dissatisfaction over this significant decision, and protests have persisted. Recently, Hall of Famer Don Nelson, who led the Mavericks from 1997 to 2005, has made his stance clear by wearing Dončić’s new Nike shoes as a form of protest during Game 2 of the NBA Finals, where he will receive the Chuck Daly Lifetime Award.

“Luka is a dear friend of mine. As a statement, I’m wearing his new shoes from Nike, just released, in protest of the trade from Dallas,” Nelson declared. “This trade was a massive mistake by the Mavericks, and I want the world to recognize that.”

Chuck Daly Award winner Don Nelson:
“I’m wearing Luka’s shoes, his new shoes from Nike. I’m wearing them in protest of the trade from Dallas. I think it was a tremendous mistake by the Mavericks — and I want everybody to know that.”
He plans to don the Luka Dončić 4s, highlighting his philosophy on retaining exceptional players: “Great players should be cherished for a lifetime; trading them away is a disappointment.” Nelson’s sentiments resonate deeply with countless Dallas fans who echo his feelings.