Brian Cuban, the brother of Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban, voiced his frustration over Dallas trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers. Speaking with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Cuban did not hold back.
“I hated it like everyone else. I hated it,” he said. “I thought… I still think that it was ill-conceived.” He acknowledged the complexities surrounding the decision, adding, “I think everything was magnified because of the injuries we’ve sustained.”
Despite his strong stance, Cuban admitted he does not have inside information on the front office’s reasoning. He explained the challenges of making a fair deal, stating, “If you’re looking to get as comparable talent as you can get, the other team has to want to give it up.”
The trade sent Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Dallas aimed to reshape its roster, but the move remains one of the most controversial in recent NBA history.
Doncic was averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game for the Mavericks before the deal. Since joining the Lakers, he has posted 26.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per contest, keeping Los Angeles in the playoff race.
The Lakers (40-24) currently sit fourth in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks (33-34) are struggling at 10th. Cuban acknowledged the team’s challenges but remains hopeful.
“I’m not an X’s and O’s guy, right? I’m just a fan,” he said. “If that’s what they do and that’s what they think is gonna win, then that’s great.”
The fallout from the trade continues to be a major talking point as Dallas fights to stay in the postseason hunt.
