The atmosphere at Crypto.com Arena was electric on Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Dallas Mavericks, marking Luka Doncic’s first matchup against his former team since his shocking trade—less than a year after leading Dallas to the NBA Finals.
Doncic guided the Lakers to a 107-99 win, delivering 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, and two blocks. He made history as the first player ever to record a triple-double with at least five steals or blocks in his first game against his former team.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who built a close bond with Doncic over the years, was present alongside GM Nico Harrison. When asked how it felt to watch his former superstar from the opposing bench, Cuban kept it short and honest.
“I hated it.”
Fans quickly expressed their skepticism online, with many accusing Cuban of playing innocent despite the shocking trade.
“BS! I believe he knew he was going to be traded…then did nothing to stop it!” one fan wrote.
Another added, “He’s so full of it.”
One comment read, “BRO traded him but acting innocent so people don’t hate him.”
In 2023, Cuban sold his majority stake in the Mavericks but remains a minority owner. Reports indicate he had little influence on the deal, seemingly blindsided like the rest of the NBA world.
It’s a stark contrast to his viral 2020 remark, where Cuban famously joked, “If I had to choose between my wife and keeping Luka on the Mavs, catch me at my lawyer’s office prepping for a divorce.”
Now, with Doncic thriving in purple and gold, fans are left wondering how much Cuban really knew.
