The Lakers-Mavericks game was any way expected to be an emotionally charged one. And it came out on top to become historic. How? Numbers. It drew in 2.5 million viewers on TNT, the network’s most-watched game since the NBA’s opening night. But that’s not the reason it’d sit in basketball folklore. The night was all about Luka Doncic and his emotional return to Dallas. Despite the front office’s views on the Slovenian, the fans cheered on every single basket. Yes, Mavs included. The emotions probably peaked right from the offset, when the ‘local boy’ Luka was seen in tears due to their emotional tribute. For most, it was a lovely touch of humanity. But for Rob Parker, it was all just a facade.
“Luka had crocodile tears for me. I’m not buying any of what went on last night. Totally crocodile tears, fake crying- like this was the end… He couldn’t believe that he’s not gonna be in Dallas,” said Rob Parker on Fox Sports Radio. This might not sit well with the Dallas fans, but anyone who has witnessed the red eyes of Doncic. These allegations would set the Mavs’ intentions of settling any bad blood into haywire. But did all of these comments bother the young lad? No. At least his performance doesn’t reflect that.
The Don still bossed it though, with a 45/8/6 stat line, including 4 steals. He’s a Laker through and through, as much as the Mavs faithful hate to say it. This performance was the second dagger, after his triple-double the last time the two franchises met at the Crypto.com Arena. But his very public exit put his behavior and tendencies under the microscope.
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) talks with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
His habits of drinking beer and blowing hookah are just half the story. No, we are not claiming. These allegations were presented as reports after the trade that Nico Harrison and the rest of the front office grew weary of his attitude. And as we all know, Nico Harrison, it’s two strikes and you’re out, and not three.
This, and a multitude of reasons, got Rob Parker to allege that Nico Harrison was justified in the blockbuster trade. Despite Kelvin Washington’s best efforts to shut down those allegations, Parker stood firm. But the drama doesn’t end there. According to the media vet, the Mavericks dodged a bullet in not extending their star man’s contract, which was due in July this year.
“Luka Doncic, he’s to blame,” claims Rob Parker
You’d think of why the Mavs would sell their best player! Still scratching that, how would one trade a guy who is one of the sole reasons they even got to the championship Finals in the first place? Parker questions this himself when he said: “You don’t trade a 25-year-old, five-time All-NBA first team guys.” Well, he answered this question himself and the reason is this: “When I think about this whole scenario and what happened in Dallas, there’s only one person to blame for this — and it ain’t the GM, it ain’t the coach, and it ain’t ownership. It’s Luka Doncic himself.”
But do you know this? Luka Doncic was projected to receive a five-year, $345 million supermax contract from the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 offseason due to his consistent All-NBA First Team selections and eligibility under the NBA’s designated veteran rule. It might seem like a lot. But when you average his numbers, it should all be worth it, right? Well, Rob Parker says no.
“He gave ownership, management, doubt about him. To where they didn’t want to sign him the $350 million. He’s the one who gave them the doubt where they would rather not… I don’t have all the details, but obviously it spooked them. It scared them that they didn’t want to turn over $350 million to a guy they can’t trust. That’s why Luka’s in Los Angeles, not because of ownership or they’re cheap or whatever you want to do. You can blame everybody you want. The rightful blame goes to Luka, period.”
Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
It speaks volumes when a trade that’s two months old still holds an ounce of water. But the fortunes of both teams that have transpired tell the story best. The Lakers are now third in the West, with Luka being the forefront of their attack. And it’s best that we don’t talk about the events that have taken place over the last two months at the American Airlines Center. But whether Luka Doncic did shed crocodile tears, the emotions of that evening will sit in the hearts of the Mavs and their former player forever.
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