Following his famous trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, Luka Doncic has always been careful to keep his emotional leftovers in check. For him, Dallas is still a home, the fans are great, and the Mavericks are a good place to be, that is why it is still tough for him to explain the details of his departure.

In a recent interview with Sportklub, Doncic finally dropped his guard, offering a direct comparison that has sent ripples through the NBA landscape

Comparing the Lakers and the Mavericks

While Luka has spent time receiving praise toward both his past and present, his latest comments marked a definitive shift in tone. When asked about the two franchises, he moved beyond simple sentiment to make a pointed comparison:

“I think the organization is better here. The Lakers are a truly legendary club, and the organization is legendary too

His words were not just a compliment to his new home but a structural hit at the Mavericks’ business and roster philosophy. For the very first time, Doncic separated his love for the city from his broken trust in the front office.

A crack in the franchise’s organization

Despite the professional critique, a visible side of Luka remains tied to the 214 area code. He was quick to clarify that his frustrations are not with the people, but with the management’s plan:

“Obviously, it is always going to feel like home there… I’ll always appreciate those fans. They were really tight. I think we had a special bond

This distinction is vital for context. It portrays a superstar who is understanding the challenges a businessman, someone who can cherish a special bond with a fanbase while acknowledging that the organizational direction no longer aligned with his championship goals.

The Mavericks have moved on, and so has Luka. But as the Lakers prepare for an intense summer, it is clear that his ties to Dallas are still palpable.