Mark Cuban Reiterates His Love For Luka Doncic Despite His Hate For The Lakers

It has been nearly 8 months since Luka Doncic left the Dallas Mavericks after for the Los Angeles Lakers. To make matters worse, the trade happened without the approval of minority owner Mark Cuban.

Since then, Cuban and his family have had to avoid appearing in public, amidst fears of retaliation from fans. Once the bulk of the protests subsided, the billionaire started to appear on podcasts to talk about the trade.

He clarified that he had no operational control and could not counter the decisions made by majority owner Patrick Dumont and GM Nico Harrison.

Cuban also clarified that they had just informed him about the trade, as he was not part of the decision-making process anymore. Despite that, the 67-year-old was there to support his partners and even argued with fans.

After all these months, it has still not dawned on the basketball world that the Mavericks essentially gifted the Lakers their next franchise cornerstone. When Cuban appeared on Gil’s Arena, he talked about how he still loves the Slovenian superstar.

Off the court love Luka to death, on the court (expletive) him.

Mark Cuban said

He cannot not love Luka Doncic, considering how much time, money, and energy he has spent scouting the guard when he was in Europe. Then he traded and drafted him and then nurtured him into becoming one of the better players in the league.

“Off the court love Luka to death, on the court f*ck him.”

Mark Cuban jokes about his relationship with Luka Doncic pic.twitter.com/WhxgF69xoM

— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) August 29, 2025

That is why the minority owner of the Mavericks would still root for the 26-year-old every day. At the same time, the Los Angeles Lakers are their rivals. Hence, Cuban cannot be happy if Doncic is on the court winning games for them.

Mark Cuban believes Luka Doncic is going to tear it up next season

Mark Cuban knows that Luka Doncic is an all-NBA level superstar, as is evident from the 5 times he garnered 1st-team selections. But now, after all that has transpired, the Mavs minority owner believed the Slovenian was gearing up to prove his critics wrong.

It’s just like Nash, right? That was motivation for Steve to prove, and now look at Luka. He’s just going to be tearing it up.

Mark Cuban said

The founder of Cost Plus Drugs believes Doncic’s recent workouts and dedication to fitness are a sign that he is about to tear it up next season. He is motivated beyond what a pep talk can do, and Mark Cuban expects his former employee to dominate next season.

The only counter could be if the Lakers struggle. As a part-owner of a rival franchise, he hopes the purple and gold organization struggles, as it will be difficult for the Mavericks if they end up facing their former superstar, who is seeking revenge.

Luka Doncic primed for MVP run next season

Luka Doncic has dedicated his offseason to getting in the best shape possible, while also honing his craft with the Slovenian national team at EuroBasket 2025.

Even the Los Angeles Lakers understand what this tournament can do to help their franchise cornerstone. The franchise’s top brass flew out to Poland to watch the 5-time All-Star lead his national team.

He set a EuroBasket record in their first game, but ended up losing. No matter how Slovenia fares, this experience will help Doncic improve his game.

All of this will help the superstar focus on what could possibly be his best season to date. Many expect him to use his motivation and exemplary conditioning to produce an MVP season.

If that were to happen, and his teammates do their part, the Los Angeles Lakers could end up surprising many. For Mark Cuban, a postseason meeting would be the worst way to face his former protege.

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