The trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers continues to spark debate, with Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont weighing in a month ago. Now, new video footage has emerged of the Mavericks owner’s statements.
At an event of the Real Estate Council’s Bank of Texas Speaker Series on February 13, he explained that the deal was not a short-term decision, but aimed at the future of the team. “Difficult decisions are never easy, but as a leader, you have to think long term and not just pay attention to how something is received at the moment. It was about the future.”
Dumont emphasized that Dallas was not competitive at the time of the trade. “We saw that the teams around us in the West were getting better while we were stagnating. That’s why we had to act.” Instead of clinging to short-term success, management focused on building sustainable competitiveness against the NBA’s best teams.
NBA: Mavs in free fall – Dumont shows understanding
But the reality looks different at the moment. Since the deal, the Mavericks have a 7-10 record, Anthony Davis has only played one game due to injury, and Kyrie Irving will be out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament rupture. Meanwhile, Doncic’s 26.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game are leading the Lakers to the top of the Western Conference table.
Dumont showed understanding for the fans’ disappointment and admitted that the trade was emotional and difficult. “I heard the fans’ voices. If we’ve lost their trust, I’m sorry. I hope we can win it back with hard work.”
