Mavs Owner Patrick Dumont Shades Luka Doncic Whilst Backing Trade

Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont has addressed the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade for the first time publicly and touched on a number of points.

One of those being the fans frustration following the shocking decision to trade the 25-year-old face of the franchise.

I clearly understand that, and I really appreciate that, Dumont said, via The Dallas Morning News. Im 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. Hes an electrifying player.

I want you to know I really sympathize with all of our fans who feel hurt. Look, as far as Im 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.

As for fitting in at Dallas, Dumont feels that Luka just didnt have the work ethic that other basketball greats did.

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, Dumont said. And if youre not doing that, youre going to lose.

He added with a forceful tone, If you look at the greats in the league, the people you and I grew up with [Michael] Jordan, [Larry] Bird, Kobe [Bryant], Shaq [ONeal] they worked really hard, every day, with a singular focus to win, he said. And if you dont have that, it doesnt work. And if you dont have that, you shouldnt be part of the Dallas Mavericks.

Thats who we want. Im unwavering on this. The entire organization knows this. This is how I operate outside of basketball. This is the only way to be competitive and win. If you want to take a vacation, dont do it with us.