It has been nearly three months since the most significant trade in NBA history sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
As time passes, more details about the trade’s backstory continue to surface, shedding light on the events that led to Doncic’s departure from the Dallas Mavericks.
One key factor appears to be a tense interaction between Doncic and Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont, which may have influenced the decision to trade the star player.
According to Dallas Hoops Journal, a major factor in Dumont’s decision to give the green light to the trade was an exchange he had with Luka, which centered around perceived conditioning issues.
This conversation took place just before Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison initiated trade talks with Lakers’ executive Rob Pelinka during a coffee meeting in Dallas on January 7, the day before the Mavericks were set to face the Lakers.
Reports suggest that the conversation between Doncic and Dumont didn’t go well, and it seemed to have created a rift. Weeks later, Luka was traded, with an overwhelming media focus on his conditioning as a contributing factor.
Dumont’s comments about the importance of work ethic and commitment also raised eyebrows, with many speculating that they were directed at Doncic.
“If you look at the greats in the league, the people you and I grew up with — [Michael] Jordan, [Larry] Bird, Kobe [Bryant], Shaq [O’Neal] — they worked really hard, every day, with a singular focus to win,” Dumont said.
“And if you don’t have that, it doesn’t work. And if you don’t have that, you shouldn’t be part of the Dallas Mavericks.”
