The relationship between Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks has been one of the most significant chapters in recent NBA history.
However, with Doncic’s surprising trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, that chapter has taken an unexpected twist, leaving Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with a blend of admiration, frustration, and lingering loyalty.
Though Doncic no longer wears a Mavericks uniform, Cuban’s feelings toward him remain complex, balancing a deep personal connection with his passionate dislike of the Lakers.
While much of the media focus has been on Doncic’s move to Los Angeles, especially his match fitness and adjustment to his new team, Cuban has made it clear that his relationship with the Slovenian star hasn’t completely faded. Even though the two are no longer part of the same basketball organization, Cuban stays in touch with Doncic.
Reports suggest that, even when the Mavericks played the Lakers last season, Cuban spent time with Doncic’s father, despite his notorious rivalry with Los Angeles.
Cuban, known for his outspoken and often humorous nature, recently opened up about how he feels about Doncic’s trade to the Lakers. During an appearance on The Arena, Cuban shared his admiration for Doncic off the court, describing him as a “great guy.” But when it comes to on-court competition, Cuban’s loyalty to the Mavericks takes center stage.
“Off the court, love Luka to death. On the court, f*** him,” Cuban quipped, making it clear that, while he has high regard for Doncic as a person, his intense dislike of the Lakers would prevent him from ever rooting for him as a member of that team.
Cuban even joked that he hopes the Lakers go “0-82” for the season. “I love Luka to death. He is a great guy… but f*** the Lakers,” Cuban added, leaving no doubt about where his allegiance lies.
Cuban’s hatred for the Lakers is no secret. The rivalry between the two teams goes back years, and Cuban’s distaste for the Lakers is legendary. He once admitted that when he discovered his high school gear matched the Lakers’ colors, he threw it away out of disgust.
This level of passion for the Mavericks overflows into his feelings about Doncic’s trade, even though his admiration for the star player remains unchanged. Cuban’s playful yet pointed statements highlight the tension between his personal affection for Doncic and his deep-seated rivalry with the Lakers.
A trade he wouldn’t have made
Beyond his personal feelings, Cuban also expressed disappointment from a professional standpoint regarding the trade. As a former majority owner of the Mavericks, Cuban admitted that he would never have traded one of the top players in the NBA.
“I wouldn’t have done it, but it’s done,” he said, reflecting on the tough decision. Cuban also acknowledged that, in the world of professional basketball, sometimes the “basketball gods” smile on a team, and the Mavericks’ future could still be bright, especially with the potential of landing top draft picks like Cooper Flagg.
The transition from majority owner to a minority stake in the Mavericks has been a difficult adjustment for Cuban, especially when it comes to making final decisions on player trades.
“Not being the final decision-maker when it comes to on-court decisions has been the toughest part,” he confessed, highlighting how challenging it can be to step back from a position of control.
Despite these professional challenges, Cuban’s bond with Doncic remains strong. Even if Luka no longer plays for the Mavericks, their personal connection appears to be intact.
Perhaps Luka could be a bit more responsive to Cuban’s messages, but given the playful nature of their relationship, it’s clear that their friendship is built on mutual respect and a shared history, one that won’t be easily forgotten, even as their paths diverge in the NBA.
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