Mark Cuban isn’t holding back! Despite his admiration for Luka Doncic, the former Mavs owner has some very strong feelings about Doncic now playing for the Lakers. He even joked about throwing away his high school gear for being the wrong color! What’s behind Cuban’s passionate basketball rivalry?
Mark Cuban, the outspoken former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, harbors a fascinatingly complex relationship with his former superstar, Luka Doncic. Despite Doncic’s departure to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade last season, Cuban openly acknowledges a deep personal affection for the Slovenian prodigy, contrasting sharply with his professional animosity when they face off on the court. This dynamic highlights the intense personal connections forged in the high-stakes world of professional basketball, often transcending team loyalties.
Doncic’s unexpected move to the City of Angels last season sent shockwaves through the league and reportedly left the star guard feeling disappointed, even if he refrained from public comments. His affection for his time with the Dallas Mavericks was widely recognized, making the trade a particularly poignant event for both the player and the dedicated fan base that had embraced “Luka Magic” in Texas. The media extensively covered the implications of this monumental shift, focusing on how it would impact both franchises.
Despite the professional parting of ways, the bond between Cuban and Doncic remains surprisingly strong. Cuban recently revealed that he and Doncic continue to maintain communication, illustrating a personal connection that extends beyond the court. This enduring relationship was particularly evident during a game against the Lakers last season, where Cuban was observed spending considerable time with Doncic’s father, further underscoring their continued rapport despite the on-court rivalry.
Cuban’s fierce disdain for the Los Angeles Lakers is legendary, a sentiment he proudly and frequently articulates. This rivalry is so deeply ingrained that he once humorously recounted discarding his high school athletic gear simply because its colors inadvertently mirrored those of the Lakers, a testament to his passionate allegiances within the NBA. His animosity is not personal against individual players but directed squarely at the institution and historical rivalries associated with the Lakers franchise.
Appearing on “The Arena,” Cuban offered a candid and colorful assessment of his feelings towards Doncic. He playfully referred to him as “Slovenian Jesus” and admitted to attempting, unsuccessfully, to learn Slovenian to “kiss Luka’s ass,” highlighting his deep personal admiration. However, he sharply distinguished this personal affection from his competitive spirit, unequivocally stating, “off the court, love Luka to death. On the court, f*** him.” This blunt honesty perfectly encapsulates his competitive fire.
When questioned about whether he would ever watch a Los Angeles Lakers game solely to see Doncic play, Cuban’s response was immediate and emphatic: a resounding “no.” He further quipped that he would not even be excited if Doncic himself scored during such a game, underscoring his unwavering loyalty to the Dallas Mavericks and his intense desire for any rival, especially the Lakers, to not succeed. This passionate declaration reinforces his commitment to his team’s success above all.
Cuban also expressed his clear disapproval of the trade that sent Luka Doncic away from the Dallas Mavericks. Reflecting on his diminished stake in the team, he questioned the wisdom of trading “one of the top three players in the NBA,” admitting he would not have made such a move himself. However, he also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of basketball, humorously suggesting that sometimes “the basketball gods smile on you” and you might end up with a top draft pick like Cooper Flagg.
Ultimately, the unique relationship between Mark Cuban and Luka Doncic endures, marked by a blend of genuine personal warmth and fierce professional competitiveness. Despite the playful jabs and Cuban’s admitted habit of giving Doncic a “hard time” through DMs, their bond remains intact. This dynamic offers a rare glimpse into the complex emotional landscape of sports, where deep personal connections can thrive alongside intense rivalries, enriching the narrative of the NBA season.
