Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA – Mark Cuban was in attendance as the Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the first time Luka Doncic played against his former team since his shocking trade. Throughout the game, Cuban could be seen playfully booing Doncic, who responded in kind by telling him to “shut up” with a smile. However, after the game, Cuban admitted to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that the experience of rooting against Doncic was anything but enjoyable.
“Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who sat courtside in a pair of Luka 1 shoes to Tuesday’s game, took in the absurdity of the moment. Each time Dončić touched the ball, Cuban made a show of booing him. At one point, Doncic turned to Cuban, smiled and said, ‘Shut up, Mark.’ But when asked by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon what it was like to root against Doncic, Cuban said, ‘I hated it.'”
Despite trying to keep things lighthearted, Cuban’s emotions were on full display when Doncic drilled a deep three-pointer to extend the Lakers’ lead in the first half, leaving the former Mavs owner with nothing but a helpless smile.
Cuban has been vocal about his opposition to the trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers. The billionaire entrepreneur, known for his role on Shark Tank, reportedly tried to intervene once he learned of the deal, but by then, it was already too late. His reaction to the finalized trade was brief yet hopeful, but there’s no doubt he was unhappy with the decision.
Since selling his majority stake in the Mavericks to the Adelson family, Cuban has retained a minority share and, reportedly, some influence over basketball decisions. However, the fact that this trade was executed by Mavericks GM Nico Harrison without his approval raises questions about how much power he actually holds.
Even as an official Mavericks spokesperson, Cuban has not hidden his frustration with the move. He once likened trading Doncic away to swapping Windows 11 for Windows 10. It’s clear that if he had full control, the trade likely would never have happened. Cuban even once joked that if given a choice between trading Doncic and getting a divorce, he would choose the latter.
Doncic didn’t have his best shooting night, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, and two blocks while struggling from the field. However, the sight of him in a Lakers jersey, playing against the team he led to the NBA Finals less than a year ago, was undoubtedly painful for Mavericks fans.
While both teams will hope this trade benefits them in the long run, it’s tough for Mavericks supporters to find optimism in the current situation.
