From Super Bowl spotlight to courtside loyalty, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made it loud and clear who still has his heart in the NBA. And no, it’s not the team from L.A.
It was a night soaked in nostalgia and raw emotion as Luka Dončić returned to Dallas for the first time since the shocking trade, and Mahomes was right there, soaking in every second.
The game was truly unforgettable for Dončić and Mavericks fans.
Luka Dončić’s Return: Patrick Mahomes Felt Every Bit
American Airlines Center was buzzing, but it wasn’t just any game. It was the return. Dončić was back in Dallas for the first time since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a jaw-dropping blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. The atmosphere turned emotional real fast when the Mavericks rolled out a tribute video for their former franchise player.
Dončić couldn’t hold it in. Eyes welled up, head down, trying to keep it together as memories of his rookie days, All-Star nods, and that Finals run flashed on the jumbotron. And just feet away, Mahomes. A die-hard Mavs supporter and three-time Super Bowl MVP was courtside, watching it unfold.
The Kansas City Chiefs star didn’t just watch. He felt it. After Dončić torched Dallas with a 45-point masterclass in a 112-97 Lakers win, Mahomes met him postgame and gave him a hug that screamed, “Dallas still got love for you.” And of course, he shared the moment on his Instagram story. Two muscle emojis and a tag to Dončić, like a proud brother hyping up his guy.
Mahomes Has Always Been Team Dončić
Let’s not forget—Mahomes wasn’t thrilled when the news broke. He reacted like every stunned Mavericks fan on X (formerly Twitter): “Wait, what?” then followed it up with “I’m sick rn.”
Mahome has been courtside more times than some season ticket holders, repping Dallas loud all throughout the playoffs when Dončić carried the team to the NBA Finals last year.
That loyalty hasn’t wavered, not even after the trade. While Dallas fans flooded the arena in “Hvala za vse” (Thank you for everything) T-shirts, Mahomes joined in spirit, giving Dončić the love he deserved.
And while the Mavericks fan base continues to chant “Fire Nico” in frustration, Mahomes’ courtside presence felt like a quiet protest. A reminder that some stars shine brighter than front-office decisions. And the connection between a city and its once-in-a-generation talent doesn’t just disappear overnight.