Dallas Mavericks Face Internal Tensions Over Luka Doncic, Irving Claims

Mark Cuban, former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, expressed strong negative feelings toward Luka Doncic since the star player's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, stating he supports no one on the Lakers despite his personal affection for Doncic off the court. Doncic was a beloved figure in Dallas, having spent seven seasons with the Mavericks and achieving multiple All-Star appearances before the trade, which was beyond his control. During the EuroBasket 2025, Luka Doncic's decision to prematurely acknowledge a loss to France by shaking hands sparked controversy, leading to a late basket by Guerschon Yabusele and near conflict, with Yabusele criticizing Doncic's sportsmanship. Meanwhile, former NBA champion Robert Horry criticized Doncic's defensive skills, emphasizing the need for improvement despite Doncic's scoring ability. Additionally, Kendrick Perkins challenged Luka Doncic's recent claim about Kyrie Irving being the 'Batman' of his teams, arguing instead that Damian Lillard has been the true franchise leader, a viewpoint that adds to ongoing debates comparing elite NBA guards. These perspectives highlight the mixed reception of Doncic's career and current reputation both on and off the court.