The trades of Luka Dončić to the Lakers and Jimmy Butler to the Warriors are considered the most successful this season. But Luka’s impact with the Lakers has been on another level. The team is on an eight-game winning streak, with both Luka and LeBron scoring 25+ points in every game.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks got Anthony Davis in return, but he has missed many games due to injuries. On top of that, the Mavs are struggling with multiple injuries, including two season-ending ones. Seeing all this, Mark Cuban shared his regret over trading Luka with the Lakers.
In an interview with WFAA, the Mavericks’ minority owner shared his regret over trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers. While he respects Anthony Davis, Cuban believes the Mavericks should have asked for more in return.
Mark Cuban:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 7, 2025
“If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that’s one thing, just get a better deal. No disrespect to Anthony Davis…If we had gotten 4 Unprotected No. 1’s and Anthony Davis and Max Christie, this would be a different conversation.”
(via @wfaa)
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He said, “If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that’s one thing. Just get a better deal. No disrespect to Anthony Davis, but I still firmly believe if we had gotten four unprotected No. 1s and Anthony Davis and Max Christie, this would be a different conversation.”
Cuban’s frustration makes sense, as the Mavericks are struggling with multiple injured players. They have a 32-30 record and sit 10th in the Western Conference with 19 games left. Meanwhile, the Lakers are thriving with Dončić, winning eight straight games and holding the No. 2 seed in the West.
Pau Gasol reacts to Luka Dončić finding his rhythm with Lakers
In a recent interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Lakers legend Pau Gasol shared his thoughts on Luka Dončić’s great performance since joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Gasol’s words were a big compliment, as Luka has shown he is a perfect fit alongside LeBron James.
“Now you see [Luka Dončić] in much better rhythm”
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) March 7, 2025
Lakers @HoopHall @PauGasol on how well Luka has gelled in L.A. in such a short amount of time@TermineRadio | #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/dEo3fHzm4N
He said, “Luka, you put the ball in his hands, and he knows how to play the game… It’s just been a matter of just getting aquatinted, getting comfortable and now you see him in much better rhythm kind of taking all the emotional stuff out of the way and just focusing on playing at a high level.”
