"Fake tribute" - Fans enraged by Mavericks' tribute message in Slovenian for Luka Doncic's return 

Luka Doncic will make his return to Dallas on Wednesday night in one of the more anticipated NBA games of the season since the trade deadline. Doncic was the centerpiece of one of the most shocking trades that the NBA has ever seen, heading to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Fans are upset about the tribute that the Mavericks have prepared for Doncic's return.

According to ESPN's Tim McMahon, a Dallas Mavericks insider, posted a tweet on Wednesday morning displaying special t-shirts that the Mavericks have put on the seats of American Airline Arena. The shirts contain a message in Slovenian that translates to "Thank you for everything". The Mavericks, especially their fans, are expected to welcome Luka Doncic back with open arms before the game.

NBA fans were extremely upset with the news of the Mavericks' efforts to provide a tribute to Luka Doncic. Dallas fans have gone as far as to bring a coffin to the arena while grieving the loss of their young superstar, blaming the trade on general manager Nico Harrison.

One fan went as far as to call the tribute "fake", accusing the franchise of trying to save face instead of owning up to what they did.

"On one hand, I'm sure the @dallasmavs employees wanted and needed this, and on the other hand, their bosses are the biggest hypocrites in the world and deserve the parade of boos coming their way tonight (and until they sell the team)," one fan commented.

"We should burn these shirts in protest in front of Nico’s house!" argued another fan. "That dumb*** traded away our franchise guy. Our brother. Our family. The worst trade in NBA history and the biggest betrayal the city of Dallas has ever seen."

"That is insane. Mavs have painted themselves into a corner and there’s nothing they can do right at this point. Even doing nothing is wrong," said another.

"That Fire Nico chant is gonna go crazy, can’t kick them all out!" predicted one fan.

"These might’ve rang more true if they hadn’t spent the two months after the trade smearing him," pointed out another.

What is Luka Doncic's approach to returning to Dallas?

Wednesday night's game is as much for Luka Doncic as it is for Dallas Mavericks fans, as the new Lakers guard returns to the city that welcomed him into the NBA and supported him as he led the team to the NBA Finals. Despite having left the city in February, Doncic is still beloved in Dallas by the fanbase.

After their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, Doncic was asked about what he is feeling ahead of his return. He expressed that while he isn't necessarily nervous ahead of the matchup, he knows that it will be an emotional night for him and the Dallas Mavericks faithful. Regardless of how he feels, though, he and the Lakers will be looking for a win.

LeBron James spoke on the game as well, saying that he and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers need to band together around Luka Doncic and support him through the game. James, who will be reuniting with former teammate and close friend Anthony Davis, has had his fare share of homecomings and understands what Doncic will be going through on Wednesday night.