TITLE: Mark Cuban Says He “Let People Down” by Missing Luka Dončić Trade That Sent Star to Lakers
SLUG: mark-cuban-regrets-luka-doncic-trade-to-lakers
CONTENT:
Dallas minority owner Mark Cuban acknowledged lingering regret over the franchise’s stunning decision to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, telling a DLLS_Mavs livestream that he feels responsible for not being present when the deal was finalized.
“We all were hurt when Luka got traded, me as much as anyone because I felt like I let people down by not being there,” Cuban said. “But what’s done is done.”
The Mavericks sent Dončić to Los Angeles last spring, triggering loud “Fire Nico” chants at American Airlines Center and protests outside the arena aimed at general manager Nico Harrison. Cuban publicly expressed shock at the time and questioned the move’s wisdom.
On Apr. 9, 2025, Dončić returned to Dallas in a Lakers uniform and embraced Cuban on the court after the game. The 26-year-old guard has since signed a contract extension to remain in Los Angeles and arrived at training camp in what teammates describe as the best shape of his career.
Cuban told viewers that fan anger should subside if the Mavericks start winning behind No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg. “We got Cooper. The Basketball Gods were looking down on us and Coop’s the real deal,” he said, noting the rookie is still 18 and could “play for the Mavs for 25 years” if sports science allows.
While Dončić is now entrenched as the face of the Lakers franchise, Cuban reiterated that success on the court is the surest path to repairing relations with Mavericks supporters: “I’m guessing if we do well and win, those sentiments will change.”
Source: Lakers Nation
