Luka Doncic’s father, Sasa, has voiced his frustration with the Dallas Mavericks following the shocking trade that sent his son to the Los Angeles Lakers. The move, which was announced over the weekend, surprised NBA fans and sent shockwaves through the league. In exchange, the Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis, a deal that marks a significant shift for both teams.
The trade was surrounded by secrecy, and reports suggest that even the key figures involved – Doncic Davis, and Lakers superstar LeBron James – were unaware of the move until news broke. Rumors soon began circulating that the Mavericks were displeased with Dončić’s commitment to physical conditioning, a key factor in the team’s decision to trade him. General manager Nico Harrison also pointed to Davis’s superior defense as a contributing factor to the deal, while Dončić’s impending contract negotiations were also a consideration.
In an interview with Arena Sport 1 in Slovenia, Sasa Doncic strongly criticized the way the Mavericks handled the trade. He expressed disappointment in what he described as the team’s “hypocrisy” in their treatment of his son. He acknowledged that disagreements over philosophy or team strategy were natural, but he was particularly hurt by the secrecy surrounding the trade. “I understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy,” Sasa Doncic said. “But I think that exactly this secrecy, or should I say from some individuals, maybe even hypocrisy, this hurts me personally. Because I think that Luka absolutely doesn’t deserve this.”
Luka Doncic has been the face of the Mavericks since he was drafted in 2018, and during his tenure, he helped elevate the franchise to new heights. His incredible offensive skillset led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, and he has been named to the All-NBA First Team five times. Dončić’s talent has made him one of the best players in the world, and his departure from the Mavericks has been met with shock and disappointment by fans and analysts alike.
Sasa Doncic also took issue with reports about his son’s physical fitness, which have emerged following the trade. He argued that the claims about Luka’s conditioning were unfair, especially considering the grueling workload his son endured during the previous season. “Luka’s conditioning wasn’t even a problem last year,” Saša emphasized. “He played practically 40 minutes a game, often being double- or triple-teamed, and carried the team through many tough moments. Yet, some individuals still criticized him for not being fit enough.” Saša expressed his belief that the Mavericks should own their decision to trade Luka rather than offer excuses.
The elder Dončić’s comments highlight the tension between the family and the Mavericks organization. While Saša was openly critical, Luka himself took a more measured approach. In an emotional message addressed to the city of Dallas, Luka thanked the fans for their unwavering support throughout his time with the Mavericks. “For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the US for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home,” Dončić wrote. He acknowledged the highs and lows of his journey with the team, from injuries to making it to the NBA Finals, and expressed gratitude for the fans who stood by him through it all.
While Luka refrained from directly criticizing the Mavericks organization, his message reflected a deep sense of appreciation for the city and its supporters. “Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans,” he wrote.
Luka also shared his excitement about his new chapter with the Lakers. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the team and reiterated his passion for basketball. “Grateful for this amazing opportunity,” he wrote. “Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I’ll do so with the same joy, passion, and goal – to win championships.”
The trade marks a new beginning for Dončić and the Mavericks, but it has also caused a rift between the organization and one of its most beloved stars. As Luka embarks on his journey with the Lakers, fans will no doubt be watching closely to see how the trade impacts both teams going forward.
