Mavs fans protest Luka Doncic trade outside of AAC
Hundreds of Dallas Mavericks fans showed up outside the American Airlines Center to protest the team’s first home game since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans expressed their displeasure with GM Nico Harrison and Mavs ownership near the Dirk Nowitzki statue.
DALLAS – The Super Bowl is the NFL’s big day, but Jerry Jones was not the Dallas sports owner making waves on Sunday.
Dallas Mavericks team governor Patrick Dumont spoke to the Dallas Morning News in his first comments about his team since trading away Luka Dončić.
Patrick Dumont comments on Luka Dončić
DALLAS, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) General manager Nico Harrison and new majority owner and Governor Patrick Dumont of the Dallas Mavericks talk during the first half of the game against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Center on February
What they’re saying:
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Dumont vehemently shot down the idea that he and his Las Vegas-based family would look to relocate the Mavs to Sin City.
“That is the answer unequivocally. The Dallas Mavericks are the Dallas Mavericks, and they will be in Dallas,” Dumont said.
With angry Mavericks fans continuing to protest not only the trade, but comments from team leadership about a lack of commitment to conditioning by Dončić, Dumont seemingly took another shot at Slovenian star.
“Jordan. Bird. Magic. Kobe. Shaq. They worked really hard every day with a singular focus to win. And if you don’t have that, then it doesn’t work. And if you don’t have that, you shouldn’t be part of the Mavericks. If you want to take a vacation, don’t do it with us,” he said.
On Saturday night, after Dallas won its first home game since trading Doncic, it also came to light that Dumont had not taken time to speak with Anthony Davis, the superstar he approved trading Luka for a week earlier.
“I have not [spoken to Dumont]. No, that’s definitely something on my list. I’ve heard some things from some coaches about their casino thing they’re trying to bring to Dallas or something like that. In the near future, probably have dinner with them and talk,” said Davis.
Neither Dumont nor Mavs GM Nico Harrison, who has reportedly received death threats since the deal, were seen at the game on Saturday.
Surprise Dončić deal
Ethan Strauss on the Luka trade, Nico hire | DZTV
The Luka Doncic trade sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Athletic’s Ethan Strauss shares what he’s learned about the trade and Nico Harrison.
The backstory:
Lack of communication has been at the core of why the Dončić-Davis trade has shocked millions of people all over the world, starting with the reality that there was no discussion with Luka before making the trade.
“They made the decision, I don’t know why. I thought I was going to spend my whole career there. I think loyalty is a big word for me,” said Dončić at a news conference last week.
On top of that, Jason Kidd, the head coach who just led Dallas to last season’s NBA Finals, is now tasked with moving forward after being kept in the dark about this trade.
Kidd told reporters he didn’t know about the trade until the deal was almost done.
“I’m an employee of the Mavs. I’m the coach, I’m not the decision maker. I’m here to coach the team that’s given to me,” he told reporters.
When will Luka Dončić play for the Lakers?
Luka Doncic, Lakers news conference: FULL
Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka answer questions on Tuesday after trading for the Slovenian superstar. Doncic talked about his time in Dallas and said he was “shocked” by the trade.
What’s next:
Luka Dončić is expected to make his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.
The Lakers game will tip-off at 9:30 p.m., two hours after the Mavericks start their game against the Sacramento Kings.
Dončić has not played since Christmas Day.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Mavericks, the NBA and news conference comments from Jason Kidd, Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.
