‘He’s better than I am’… Shaquille O’Neal says Luka Doncic has addressed Mav-Lakers trade in way he could not have done
The Dallas Mavericks have made their position clear on trading Luka Doncic, a move that stunned basketball.
Amid a desire to trade for Anthony Davis, the Dallas Mavericks‘ big decision was really about moving on from Luka Doncic.
The Mavs had fears about committing to the supermax extension with Doncic, worried about ending up in a Joel Embiid situation later down the line, amid injury problems this season.
There have also been comments about Doncic’s defense, while further comments from team owner Patrick Dumont also flamed the Slovenia.
Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
Patrick Dumont comments on Luka Doncic
Patrick Dumont was quoted via the Dallas Morning News: “In my mind, the way teams win is by focus, by having the right character, by having the right culture, and having the right dedication to work as hard as possible to create a championship-winning outcome. And if you’re not doing that, you’re going to lose.
“If you look at the greats in the league, the people you and I grew up with — [Michael] Jordan, [Larry] Bird, Kobe [Bryant], Shaq[uille O’Neal] — they worked really hard every day, with a singular focus to win. And if you don’t have that, it doesn’t work.
“And if you don’t have that, you shouldn’t be part of the Dallas Mavericks.”
Luka Doncic took the high road
Luka Doncic held his introductory press conference last week with the LA Lakers and he was asked about the whispers coming out of Dallas.
Doncic chose to not to respond or fight his corner – simply thanking everybody in Dallas for the opportunity they gave him.
He said: “I would say I always take the high road. I had my amazing moments in Dallas with all my teammates, coaches and most importantly the fans.
“They always supported me, and it was an amazing journey.”
Shaquille O’Neal commends Luka Doncic restraint
Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has commended the restraint shown by Luka Doncic towards his former team.
O’Neal says he would not have handled it in the same diplomatic manner.
Speaking on his podcast, O’Neal said: “Kudos to Luka for being professional. He’s better than I am. ’cause I would’ve went clean off. You trade me the middle of the night?”
O’Neal also says he cannot wait to see Doncic’s LA face the Mavs in Dallas on April 10, and every time thereafter.
He said: “I hope when he goes back to Dallas, he kills them every time. That that right there is gonna be must see TV.”
Dumont’s comments on Shaquille O’Neal ‘working hard every day’ were also taken down by the NBA legend.
He said: “I used to come in outta shape on purpose because one, who the ____ am I getting ready for? I’m only getting ready for me and maybe one guy, which is a Tim Duncan, but I don’t really play him.”
