A striking video of Luka Doncic and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has surfaced, sparking speculation about the fallout from one of the most shocking trades in recent NBA history.
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 107-99 on Tuesday in the first matchup between the teams since the stunning February 1 trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The deal sent shockwaves through the league, as few could have imagined the Mavericks parting ways with their franchise cornerstone.
In the days following the trade, the Mavericks have been engaged in a full-scale damage control effort, with reports surfacing that the organization moved on from Doncic due to long-term concerns about his health. However, whether those concerns were legitimate or merely a justification for the blockbuster move, one thing has become evident—Doncic appears to be carrying a massive chip on his shoulder.
Following Tuesday’s game, a video emerged showing Doncic seemingly staring down and shouting toward Kidd after making a basket. The moment has ignited speculation about whether Doncic believes Kidd was aware of the trade beforehand or even played a role in the decision.
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Some fans and analysts believe the exchange suggests Kidd had prior knowledge of the front office’s plans, while others argue that Doncic simply feels betrayed by his former coach and is using the perceived slight as extra motivation.
Regardless of the interpretation, there’s no question that the Lakers are reaping the benefits of the Mavericks’ controversial decision.
Despite struggling with his shot on Thursday night—going just 6-of-20 from the field and 1-of-9 from beyond the arc—Doncic still helped lead the Lakers to a 111-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Since joining the team, he has averaged 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, proving his ability to impact the game in multiple ways even when his shooting isn’t at its best.
Meanwhile, Kidd has insisted he was blindsided by the trade, claiming he had no knowledge of the deal until the last minute.
“Just got a call to come up to the room and was told about the trade,” Kidd said when asked when he first learned of the deal. “I’m an employee of the Mavs. I’ve said this before and some of you maybe overlooked it: I’m the coach. I coach the players that are here. We made a trade and we’ve got to push forward. That’s what we’re doing.”
Whether or not Kidd is telling the full story remains up for debate.
The circumstances surrounding the trade may never be fully known, but one thing is clear—Doncic is playing with a renewed sense of purpose, and his response to being dealt could prove costly for the Mavericks in the long run
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