Luka Doncic Opens Up About Lakers, Sends Clear Message on Mavericks Future
Luka Doncic didn’t log many minutes in this year’s All-Star Game, but he didn’t need to light up the scoreboard to make headlines. One comment during a media session was enough to send a ripple through both Los Angeles and Dallas.
Asked about his experience with the Lakers, Doncic didn’t hold back.
"I think there is a better organization here," he said. "The Lakers are really a legendary club and the organization is really legendary."
It was a short quote, but it spoke volumes.
For Mavericks fans still coming to terms with Doncic’s departure to L.A. last February, those words hit hard. Since the trade, there’s been a lingering hope in Dallas that the franchise’s former cornerstone might one day find his way back to the American Airlines Center. But this latest comment makes one thing clear: Doncic is all-in on the Lakers - at least for now.
A Subtle But Strong Statement
Doncic has always been savvy with the media. He rarely says anything by accident, and this felt like a deliberate nod to his current team.
While it’s not unusual for players to praise their new surroundings, this wasn’t just a generic compliment. Calling the Lakers a “better organization” than the Mavericks?
That’s a direct comparison - and a pointed one.
It’s also one of the few times Doncic has publicly distanced himself from Dallas since the trade. Up until now, he’s been mostly diplomatic when discussing his former team.
But this felt different. This felt like a player planting his flag in new territory.
The Cuban Factor
Of course, the dream of a Doncic return hasn’t completely faded - especially not with recent speculation swirling around Mark Cuban. Rumors suggest Cuban is eyeing a move to buy the Mavericks back from current owner Patrick Dumont, potentially with the help of an investor group.
Cuban and Doncic have a well-documented bond. Cuban was the one who drafted him back in 2018 and remained his biggest supporter throughout his time in Dallas. It’s no secret that Cuban was blindsided by the trade, with reports indicating that team president Nico Harrison didn’t loop him in until the deal was already done.
If Cuban were to regain control of the franchise, you can bet Doncic would be at the top of his free agency wish list in 2028. But even with that connection, bringing Luka back won’t be simple.
Loyalty Runs Deep - In Both Directions
Doncic has always worn his emotions on his sleeve. When he returned to Dallas for the first time after the trade, the tears in his eyes said more than any press conference ever could. He loved the city, the fans, and the organization that gave him his NBA start.
But he’s also shown immense loyalty to the Lakers since arriving in L.A. He’s embraced the franchise’s history, its culture, and its championship expectations. His recent comments suggest that he’s not just playing in Los Angeles - he’s building something there.
So where does that leave Mavericks fans?
Hopeful, but realistic.
Doncic’s love for Dallas isn’t gone. It’s just not his priority right now. He’s focused on delivering a title to the Lakers, and he’s made it clear that he believes in the organization’s ability to help him do that.
Could things change in 2028? Absolutely.
The NBA is full of unexpected turns. But for now, Mavericks fans will have to watch from afar as their former star tries to write a new chapter in purple and gold.
One thing’s for sure: Luka Doncic hasn’t forgotten Dallas. And Dallas hasn’t forgotten him. But for the foreseeable future, his heart - and his game - belong to Los Angeles.