Mark Cuban has shed new light on the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2. The deal, which also included Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, was one of the most shocking midseason trades in NBA history. In a recent interview with sports analyst Stephen A. Smith, Cuban revealed the key reason behind the trade, offering insights into the thinking that led to one of the most unexpected moves of the season.
Cuban explained that one of the major factors in the decision was a misunderstanding of Doncic’s background and mindset. The Mavericks’ former majority owner reflected on how the Balkan superstar’s cultural differences played a crucial role in the eventual move. Cuban noted that, unlike American players, Slovenian players like Doncic, who grew up in a different basketball culture, often have a different approach to the game and life itself.
“I think the biggest mistake was not understanding Luka’s background,” Cuban said, via HoopsHype. “He’s from the Balkans, and you look at Nikola Jokic, who’s Serbian, and you see that the guys from that region just think about the game differently. They approach it differently.”
The remarks came after widespread criticism of Doncic’s work ethic and fitness, with some even questioning his commitment to the team. Cuban said that the scrutiny surrounding Doncic’s conditioning, strength, and off-the-court decisions was unfair, particularly given the cultural differences that might have influenced Doncic’s approach.
“Everybody saw him, and while he wasn’t ripped, it wasn’t the full picture. Luka was just like any other guy from that region,” Cuban continued. “We didn’t take enough time to understand his personality, his family, or how he interacts with people.”
Cuban went on to explain that Doncic’s affinity for the Slovenian national team and his connection with players from his homeland were essential to understanding who he truly was as a person. Despite the criticism, Cuban believes that this lack of understanding ultimately contributed to the decision to trade Doncic.
The trade, which saw the Mavericks receive Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick, was met with disbelief across the league. It was the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other midseason. Many questioned the timing and reasoning behind the deal.
Despite the criticism, Cuban distanced himself from the trade, stating that he had no influence on the decision. “If I had any influence, the Luka Dončić trade wouldn’t have happened. I was just as dumbfounded as everybody else,” Cuban said.
The trade, which reshaped the future of both teams, came shortly after Cuban sold the majority stake of the Mavericks in December 2023 to casino moguls Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont. Dumont, who replaced Cuban as the team’s governor on the NBA Board of Governors, entrusted general manager Nico Harrison with final say over basketball decisions. This transition of power played a significant role in the blockbuster trade, with Cuban confirming that he was no longer responsible for key decisions like this one.
Since the trade, Doncic has continued to perform at an elite level with the Lakers, averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, who have struggled without their former franchise player, are facing growing questions about their long-term direction.
