Luka Doncic’s first game against the Dallas Mavericks since his shocking trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was already an emotional showdown.
But the tension escalated when leaked audio surfaced, capturing exactly what Doncic said to Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and the Dallas bench after draining a clutch three-pointer.
Luka Doncic takes out his frustration on Jason Kidd after shocking Mavericks breakup
Doncic sends a clear message to the Mavericks
The Slovenian superstar, determined to make a statement against his former team, turned to the Mavericks‘ bench and shouted, “That’s what I fu**ing do… yeah!” His words left no doubt-Doncic wanted to remind the people responsible for trading him, including Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison, that he hadn’t forgotten.
The footage, originally shared by the social media account LegendZ, quickly went viral. Fans and analysts dissected Doncic’s emotions, noting that his reaction was fueled by more than just competition. Given how his time in Dallas ended, it was no surprise that he played this game with an extra edge.
A bitter departure and a high-stakes game
Doncic had been the face of the Mavericks, an MVP-caliber player who led them to the NBA Finals in 2024. Yet, he was unexpectedly traded for an aging and injury-prone Anthony Davis. The frustration of that decision had been bubbling beneath the surface, and this matchup was his chance to release it.
Kidd, for his part, previously claimed he hadn’t spoken to Doncic since the trade and insisted he was as surprised as anyone by the move. Whether Doncic believes that is another story. His fiery reaction suggested he felt betrayed not only by the front office but possibly by his former coach as well.
Despite still adjusting to life in Los Angeles, Doncic delivered a strong performance, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, and two blocks in the Lakers’ 107-99 victory. It wasn’t his most efficient shooting night, but his impact was undeniable.
The Mavericks’ struggles continue
Meanwhile, Dallas has struggled without its former franchise star, going just 6-4 in their last 10 games. The absence of Doncic’s playmaking has been evident, and the trade decision continues to face scrutiny. Making matters worse, Davis, the player they acquired, has only played one game before suffering an injury, raising even more doubts about the move.
Adding another layer of drama, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that the Mavericks initially targeted Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards in a trade for Doncic. However, Minnesota rejected the proposal outright, leaving Dallas scrambling before ultimately sending Doncic to Los Angeles. This revelation makes the Mavericks‘ decision even more puzzling and adds to the perception that they mismanaged their relationship with one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
For Doncic, this game wasn’t just another regular-season matchup, it was personal. While he may not have admitted it outright, his words and actions on the court spoke volumes. The next time the Lakers and Mavericks face off on April 9 in Dallas, Doncic will have another chance to make his statement in front of the fans who once adored him.
