LeBron James reportedly knows why Mavs’ owner Patrick Dumont could have influenced Luka Doncic’s departure

We could be discussing the Los Angeles Lakers’ impressive start to the regular season, led by the phenomenal Luka Doncic and the anticipated return of LeBron James. However, the recent firing of former Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has reignited memories of Doncic’s departure, now accompanied by new insights and answers.

According to a report by Lakers Daily, LeBron, Austin Reaves, and JJ Redick are among those who have purportedly been informed by Doncic that Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont may have had a direct hand in his trade. The Slovenian star allegedly shared these revelations upon his arrival in Los Angeles.

It was reported that Doncic confided in his teammates about a conversation with Dumont that may have influenced Harrison’s decision to trade him. The decision left Doncic less than satisfied, given his deep integration into the team’s dynamics.

The Mavericks‘ decision was met with disapproval by a significant portion of the fan base, leading to widespread dissatisfaction with Harrison. Although the exact reasons behind Doncic’s departure remain murky, fans cling to the hope that one day he might return to Dallas, where he left an indelible mark.

Triggering statement behind Doncic’s frustration

The report also hinted at another grievance of Doncic: a statement made by Dumont on a television program. This reportedly incensed Doncic, making him question the prospect of returning to Dallas as long as Dumont remains at the helm.

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“If you look at the greats in the league, the people you and I grew up with — [Michael] Jordan, [Larry] Bird, Kobe [Bryant], Shaq [O’Neal] — they worked very 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,“ Dumont stated in the Dallas Morning News earlier this year.

Doncic’s present focus

With his recent performances, leading the team to a 10-4 record despite missing four games, alongside the solid support from the Lakers organization, it appears that Doncic’s current focus is on building his legacy with his new team. He has notably shared his sincere feelings about a potential return to Dallas after Harrison’s departure.

What remains to be seen is whether these revelations are genuine and rooted in his discord with Dumont. Such a turn of events could significantly alter perceptions of Harrison, who has been held accountable by fans for Doncic’s trade to the Lakers.