Luka Dončić’s father didn’t hold back when discussing the surprising three-team trade that involved his son. The NBA community was left in shock as the Dallas Mavericks traded the 25-year-old superstar, Luka Dončić, alongside Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to the Los Angeles Lakers. In exchange, they received veteran star Anthony Davis, rookie Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. The Utah Jazz obtained Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers, along with two second-round picks.

“I understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy — you don’t like this or that player, all good,” Sasa Dončić expressed in an interview with Slovenian media network Arena Sport 1. “However, the secrecy — or should I say hypocrisy — from certain individuals deeply hurts me. Luka absolutely doesn’t deserve this.”

The Mavericks’ general manager Nico Harrison highlighted the significance of “culture” during discussions about the trade while acknowledging his concerns regarding Dončić’s contractual situation. Reports indicated that there were worries about Luka’s conditioning, referencing frustrations with his eating habits and fitness, which management felt affected his endurance.

Sasa Dončić mentioned, “Luka’s conditioning wasn’t even an issue last season. One individual suggested that he isn’t fit enough. He played about 100 games, constantly faced with two or three players guarding him. It’s unfair for individuals to project blame this way.”

After leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, Luka Dončić has appeared in just 22 games this season due to injuries and is expected to return on February 8.

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