Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, he debuted for the team and is already selling out the arena. But the Dallas Mavericks fans are still there. Unhinged and deeply attached to him and hurt after his departure. While there’s not much they can do, booing Patrick Dumont might help, at least as they thought.
Dumont, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, found himself at the center of a thousand people pouring their emotions on him. The proliferated displeasure came during a recent game against the Sacramento Kings. As he made his way to his courtside seat, the vocal crowd at the American Airlines Center let him know exactly how they felt about him. Relentless boos filled the arena.
However, Dumont turned a deaf ear and kept on strolling to his seat and seemed unbothered. Fans were still reeling from the stunning trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers, and it only transformed Dumont into a public enemy among passionate Mavs supporters. The Mavs governor seemed unhinged and jokingly asked a person sitting beside him- “Is that for me?”
"Is that for me?"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2025
Mavs governor Patrick Dumont as he sat at his courtside seat while being booed heavily by the American Airlines Center crowd last night.
Fans continue to express their frustration on Luka Doncic being traded to the Lakers.
(via @FOX4)pic.twitter.com/j71G5NfEYk
Given the significance of Doncic, Dumont’s position in the crosshairs of the fanbase was almost inevitable. While Dumont might be taken aback by the intensity of the backlash, he certainly can’t claim ignorance to the anger brewing within the community. After all, this trade not only involved one of the NBA’s brightest stars but also challenged the very identity of the Mavericks.
Also Read: Luka Doncic Appreciates LeBron James For His Encouraging Message Before Debut
Patrick Dumont Addressed Fans’ Emotions After Luka Doncic Trade
While he seemed to care less about what fans were showing him in the arena, Dumont felt it deep down. The Mavericks owner has publicly addressed the intense emotions swirling around the recent Luka Doncic trade.
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Acknowledging the fans’ frustration, Dumont expressed his deep appreciation for Doncic’s contributions to the team and the city of Dallas. He emphasized his affection for Doncic.
“I clearly understand that, and I really appreciate that. I’m a big Luka fan. My family are big Luka fans. I have a really deep appreciation for what he brought to this team, what he brought to Dallas, and the excitement he brings. He’s an electrifying player. I want you to know I really sympathize with all of our fans who feel hurt. Look, as far as I’m concerned, Luka is a Mav for life, and I really wish him nothing but happiness and success in his career as he continues in L.A,” Dumont said.
Patrick Dumont had a long quote in DMN today about the Luka trade, basically calling Luka’s character and work ethic in question:
— SLO HOOPS FAN 🇸🇮 (@SloHoopsFan) February 9, 2025
“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… pic.twitter.com/mH1MAX82GD
Although, Dumont defended the decision to trade Doncic. According to him, the acquisition of Davis is a strategic move that will increase the team’s chances of returning to the NBA Finals. He noted that the Mavericks had struggled following their previous Finals appearance and that Doncic’s recent injury history raised concerns about the team’s long-term viability. While acknowledging the challenges, Dumont articulated a vision for building a stronger team culture focused on winning.
Additionally, Dumont firmly quashed rumors regarding the Mavericks’ potential relocation to Las Vegas. He reiterated that the team is rooted in Dallas. He also downplayed concerns over financial implications, clarifying that the decision was not about saving resources but rather about risk allocation.
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