Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Luka's dad rips Mavs: He 'doesn't deserve this'

Written by 
Published in Basketball
Monday, 03 February 2025 09:55

Luka Doncic avoided mentioning the Mavericks organization in his farewell message Sunday, instead thanking fans and the Dallas community after being traded to the Lakers.

Doncic's father, however, did not hold back when discussing the Mavericks and their handling of the blockbuster deal.

In an interview Sunday with Slovenian media network Arena Sport 1, Sasa Doncic accused the Mavericks of "hypocrisy" and criticized the "secrecy" with which they orchestrated the three-team trade that sent Luka to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to Dallas.

"I understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy," Sasa Doncic said, as translated by Arena Sport. "You don't like this or that player, all good -- I get it.

"But I think that exactly this secrecy, or should I say from some individuals, maybe even hypocrisy, this hurts me personally. Because I think that Luka absolutely doesn't deserve this."

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison cited Davis' superior defense as a reason for the trade, saying "defense wins championships," while acknowledging that Doncic's upcoming contractual situation also was a concern.

But sources told ESPN's Tim MacMahon that constant concerns about Doncic's conditioning were a major factor in the Mavericks' decision to approach the Lakers about a trade. Doncic has played in only 22 games this season because of injuries, primarily a left calf strain that has sidelined him since Christmas Day.

Sources told MacMahon that there was extreme frustration throughout the organization about Doncic's lackadaisical approach to diet and conditioning, which Mavs decision-makers believed negatively impacted his durability.

Sasa Doncic pointed to the Mavs' 2023-24 season, when his son played in 70 regular-season contests and averaged 37.5 minutes per game, before playing in an additional 22 postseason games and averaging 40.9 minutes per game during Dallas' run to the NBA Finals.

"[Luka's conditioning] wasn't even a problem last year since, I am saying again, one individual said he's not fit enough," Sasa said. "That he played, I don't know, 100 games -- practically 40 minutes with two or three players constantly on him.

"That he was beaten, and you say such things about him -- I feel that this is very unfair from certain individuals. You traded him, stand by your actions but don't look for excuses or alibis, that's it."

Doncic said earlier Sunday in a message to the Dallas community that he "wanted so badly to bring you a championship" and that he thought he'd spend his career with the Mavericks.

"For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home," Doncic wrote in the message posted to social media. "In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most."

Doncic was enormously popular in Dallas -- and everywhere else. His No. 77 Mavericks jersey ranked eighth among bestsellers through NBAStore.com over the first half of the season. On Sunday night, some Doncic items remained for sale on the Mavs' shopping site.

Mavericks fans gathered Sunday afternoon outside American Airlines Center in Dallas to protest the trade. The demonstrations included a mock funeral featuring multiple fans dressed as undertakers and carrying a coffin, one fan holding a sign that read "Worst Trade in NBA History" and another fan leaving a sign that read "RIP Mavs."

Security workers were seen attempting to clean an area that had been vandalized by fans who left a profane message directed at Harrison.

Sasa Doncic echoed his son's sentiments, saying Luka "respected Dallas a lot" and mentioned his charity work in the city.

"At least as I know, [Luka] sacrificed himself enormously -- and even all the stories now that someone is releasing that he wants to apologize for the things that they're doing," Sasa said. "I feel like this is very unfair from some individuals because I know that Luka respected Dallas a lot. He respected the whole city, helped children."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read 32 times

Soccer

Unwell Palmer misses first pen, 100% record ends

Unwell Palmer misses first pen, 100% record ends

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCole Palmer's perfect penalty record came to an end on Sunday when...

Ancelotti blames big teams' struggles on UCL focus

Ancelotti blames big teams' struggles on UCL focus

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCarlo Ancelotti defended Real Madrid's performance in their 2-1 LaL...

United headline 4-team EPL summer series in U.S.

United headline 4-team EPL summer series in U.S.

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Premier League will again stage a four-team Summer Series acros...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: LeBron expected out at least 1-2 weeks

Sources: LeBron expected out at least 1-2 weeks

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLos Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is expected to miss at least o...

Sources: Tucker joining Knicks on 10-day deal

Sources: Tucker joining Knicks on 10-day deal

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFree agent P.J. Tucker has agreed to sign with the New York Knicks...

Baseball

Twins reliever Ramirez has tear in right shoulder

Twins reliever Ramirez has tear in right shoulder

EmailPrintFORT MYERS, Fla. -- Minnesota Twins right-hander Erasmo Ramirez has a significant tear in...

O's shut down Rodriguez (elbow) for week-plus

O's shut down Rodriguez (elbow) for week-plus

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLAKELAND, Fla. -- Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated