On Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks posted a video of Luka Dončić decked out in cowboy attire — black boots, a hat and a bolo tie. It was National Texas Day. Nine hours later, the team had traded their superstar to the Los Angeles Lakers.

But Dallas's stunning about-face with its franchise player may have hit those closest to home harder than anyone. Mavericks fans, shocked and hurt by the trade, came out in droves to protest the deal outside of American Airlines Arena before Sunday's hockey game between the Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets.

In his first comments since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier on Sunday, NBA superstar Luka Doncic penned a thank you letter to the Dallas Mavericks, their fans and the city of Dallas.