Luka didnt want to be here?

[joesha1698]

Ive been listening to different bball analysts and many have speculated that Luka didnt want to be here and wasn't completely bought in. I'm someone who believes that as well. I know Luka was buying a house (modest based on his salary) but I honestly believe his lack of professionalism (coming into the season out of shape/after struggling in the playoffs last year b/c of conditioning) which lead to the soft tissue injuries were the straw that broke the camel's back. I think ownership had reservations about him wanting to be here based on his own behavior. How are you not motivated after making the finals? You come back out of shape? Your actions speak louder than words.

I think ownership felt he wasn't all the way in. Remember my culture post like a month before this trade went down. I didn't know it was this bad but now we know. I think ownership gave Nico the green light to get it done. I think ownership and or Nico knew if they waited till the off season they probably lose Kyrie and possibly trading Luka becomes a lot harder - because his agent gets involved and so does Rich Paul.

I think Nico had to make this thing work while keeping the Mavs competitive. I think he did that. I think if Luka comes back healthy in tip-top shape and acts like a leader - he's still a Mav. Luka was like the hot girl in the relationship with 1 foot out of the door based on his behavior and lack of commitment. The Mavs were probably right not to trust him. Even if he stayed for the money ($112 million more) there is no g-teed that he changes his behavior when it comes to conditioning, complaining, not improving on defense. Afterall, he has $100+million extra on the line and doesn't even bother to show up in shape like a professional, when you consider he's the face of the franchise and one of the faces of the league.

I know everyone wants to blame Nico but this came from the top. The owners didnt believe in Luka and he gave them every reason not to. I applaud Nico for getting A.Davis and hopefully he makes another trade to make this team better. I know a lot of Mav fans do not want to hear this but there's plenty of evidence Luka didn't want to be here. They dumped him before he dumped them and made their jobs a lot harder in the summer. I respect the Mav's brass for having balls!!!

[41Dirk41]

Stop write bullshits.

We all know that you are happy that Luka is out but stop trying to throw him under the bus.

Clown.

[joesha1698]

Now the only other theories I will entertain but I would need to see more proof is - (1) ownership trying to devalue franchise so they can move because of gambling legislation gone wrong. (2) Ownership made a deal with NBA to move Luka to the Lakers in return for something. Until I see proof of that, Luka's behavior suggests that they made this trade b/c they didn't trust him and had real suspicions he might leave when his contract was up.

[Bob8]

Ive been listening to different bball analysts and many have speculated that Luka didnt want to be here and wasn't completely bought in. I'm someone who believes that as well. I know Luka was buying a house (modest based on his salary) but I honestly believe his lack of professionalism (coming into the season out of shape/after struggling in the playoffs last year b/c of conditioning) which lead to the soft tissue injuries were the straw that broke the camel's back. I think ownership had reservations about him wanting to be here based on his own behavior. How are you not motivated after making the finals? You come back out of shape? Your actions speak louder than words.

I think ownership felt he wasn't all the way in. Remember my culture post like a month before this trade went down. I didn't know it was this bad but now we know. I think ownership gave Nico the green light to get it done. I think ownership and or Nico knew if they waited till the off season they probably lose Kyrie and possibly trading Luka becomes a lot harder - because his agent gets involved and so does Rich Paul.

I think Nico had to make this thing work while keeping the Mavs competitive. I think he did that. I think if Luka comes back healthy in tip-top shape and acts like a leader - he's still a Mav. Luka was like the hot girl in the relationship with 1 foot out of the door based on his behavior and lack of commitment. The Mavs were probably right not to trust him. Even if he stayed for the money ($112 million more) there is no g-teed that he changes his behavior when it comes to conditioning, complaining, not improving on defense. Afterall, he has $110 million extra on the line and doesn't even bother to show up in shape like a professional, when you consider he's the face of the franchise and one of the faces of the league.

I know everyone wants to blame Nico but this came from the top. The owners didnt believe in Luka and he gave them every reason not to. I applaud Nico for getting A.Davis and hopefully he makes another trade to make this team better. I know a lot of Mav fans do not want to hear this but there's plenty of evidence Luka didn't want to be here. They dumped him before he dumped them and made their jobs a lot harder in the summer. I respect the Mav's brass for having balls!!!

And you're sure AD wants to be here? He must be ecstatic to finally escape from LA.

Mavs got 6 years older, more injury prone player, who has no real initiative to play hard for Mavs. Congrats Nico, fantastic job.

[41Dirk41]

No one cares what do you think... I'm sorry.

[joesha1698]

Stop write bullshits.

We all know that you are happy that Luka is out but stop trying to throw him under the bus.

Clown.

Am I happy? Not really. I was just as shocked as everyone else. I was laying in bed and looked at youtube and saw that Luka was traded by one of those Mavs podcast. I didn't believe it at first but all the other websites confirmed it. This is the most shocked Ive been since I heard about Kobe's death - when it comes to an NBA athlete.

I wouldn't say I'm happy Luka is gone.I don't know how to feel. I guess uncertainty comes to mind. I think the Mavs are in a very uncertain position. I do not have anything against Luka personally. I think this was the best thing that has ever happened to his career. I think he's a great offensive player who was taking his talent for granted. You're an athlete. Your body is your business. Your body is your legacy. Luka needd this wake up call. Charles Barkley needed the same wake up call when he was with the Sixers earlier in his career.

Luka seems like a good person. I wish him the best. I hope this wakes him up and he reaches his potential. I'm just calling it like I see it.

As for the clown remark, I get it, tensions are running high for some, no hard feelings. Outside of basketball, human beings have real problems. Sports are a simulation of war (so it brings out our emotions) but when its all said and done - its a form of entertainment.

i'm definitely entertained and I look forward to seeing what Luka does in LA and I'm looking forward to what this Mavs team can do going forward.

[41Dirk41]

Post the sources, your words count for nothing.

You're just throw **** on Luka with no reason.

Mav, ban this troll right now. He's speculating

[joesha1698]

Ive been listening to different bball analysts and many have speculated that Luka didnt want to be here and wasn't completely bought in. I'm someone who believes that as well. I know Luka was buying a house (modest based on his salary) but I honestly believe his lack of professionalism (coming into the season out of shape/after struggling in the playoffs last year b/c of conditioning) which lead to the soft tissue injuries were the straw that broke the camel's back. I think ownership had reservations about him wanting to be here based on his own behavior. How are you not motivated after making the finals? You come back out of shape? Your actions speak louder than words.

I think ownership felt he wasn't all the way in. Remember my culture post like a month before this trade went down. I didn't know it was this bad but now we know. I think ownership gave Nico the green light to get it done. I think ownership and or Nico knew if they waited till the off season they probably lose Kyrie and possibly trading Luka becomes a lot harder - because his agent gets involved and so does Rich Paul.

I think Nico had to make this thing work while keeping the Mavs competitive. I think he did that. I think if Luka comes back healthy in tip-top shape and acts like a leader - he's still a Mav. Luka was like the hot girl in the relationship with 1 foot out of the door based on his behavior and lack of commitment. The Mavs were probably right not to trust him. Even if he stayed for the money ($112 million more) there is no g-teed that he changes his behavior when it comes to conditioning, complaining, not improving on defense. Afterall, he has $110 million extra on the line and doesn't even bother to show up in shape like a professional, when you consider he's the face of the franchise and one of the faces of the league.

I know everyone wants to blame Nico but this came from the top. The owners didnt believe in Luka and he gave them every reason not to. I applaud Nico for getting A.Davis and hopefully he makes another trade to make this team better. I know a lot of Mav fans do not want to hear this but there's plenty of evidence Luka didn't want to be here. They dumped him before he dumped them and made their jobs a lot harder in the summer. I respect the Mav's brass for having balls!!!

And you're sure AD wants to be here? He must be ecstatic to finally escape from LA.

Mavs got 6 years older, more injury prone player, who has no real initiative to play hard for Mavs. Congrats Nico, fantastic job.

Nico has a great relationship with AD and a lot of players in the NBA because of his gig with Nike. AD (apparently) waived his trade kicker to save Dallas some dough because he was ready to move on. Davis knows Lebron is 40 years old and this gives him a great chance to win another ring and build on his own legacy away from Lebron. All reports i have heard from ex players and media is that he's excited and looking forward to playing the PF again. He's looking forward to playing with his team usa teammates (Klay and Kyrie)...also LA is expensive and this says him a lot of money in the future, i'm assuming.

AD is injury prone (i think thats why he wants to bang less at the 5) and I also think he has plenty to prove. I think he wants to win a ring without Lebron and does Kyrie and Klay (without Steph). So, you got 3 guys who are familiar with each other and something to prove. Let's see how this works out. In the meantime, the Mavs need to start winning some games.

[Bob8]

Ive been listening to different bball analysts and many have speculated that Luka didnt want to be here and wasn't completely bought in. I'm someone who believes that as well. I know Luka was buying a house (modest based on his salary) but I honestly believe his lack of professionalism (coming into the season out of shape/after struggling in the playoffs last year b/c of conditioning) which lead to the soft tissue injuries were the straw that broke the camel's back. I think ownership had reservations about him wanting to be here based on his own behavior. How are you not motivated after making the finals? You come back out of shape? Your actions speak louder than words.

I think ownership felt he wasn't all the way in. Remember my culture post like a month before this trade went down. I didn't know it was this bad but now we know. I think ownership gave Nico the green light to get it done. I think ownership and or Nico knew if they waited till the off season they probably lose Kyrie and possibly trading Luka becomes a lot harder - because his agent gets involved and so does Rich Paul.

I think Nico had to make this thing work while keeping the Mavs competitive. I think he did that. I think if Luka comes back healthy in tip-top shape and acts like a leader - he's still a Mav. Luka was like the hot girl in the relationship with 1 foot out of the door based on his behavior and lack of commitment. The Mavs were probably right not to trust him. Even if he stayed for the money ($112 million more) there is no g-teed that he changes his behavior when it comes to conditioning, complaining, not improving on defense. Afterall, he has $110 million extra on the line and doesn't even bother to show up in shape like a professional, when you consider he's the face of the franchise and one of the faces of the league.

I know everyone wants to blame Nico but this came from the top. The owners didnt believe in Luka and he gave them every reason not to. I applaud Nico for getting A.Davis and hopefully he makes another trade to make this team better. I know a lot of Mav fans do not want to hear this but there's plenty of evidence Luka didn't want to be here. They dumped him before he dumped them and made their jobs a lot harder in the summer. I respect the Mav's brass for having balls!!!

And you're sure AD wants to be here? He must be ecstatic to finally escape from LA.

Mavs got 6 years older, more injury prone player, who has no real initiative to play hard for Mavs. Congrats Nico, fantastic job.

Nico has a great relationship with AD and a lot of players in the NBA because of his gig with Nike. AD (apparently) waived his trade kicker to save Dallas some dough because he was ready to move on. Davis knows Lebron is 40 years old and this gives him a great chance to win another ring and build on his own legacy away from Lebron. All reports i have heard from ex players and media is that he's excited and looking forward to playing the PF again. He's looking forward to playing with his team usa teammates (Luka and Klay)...also LA is expensive and this says him a lot of money in the future, i'm assuming.

AD is injury prone (i think thats why he wants to bang less at the 5) and I also think he has plenty to prove. I think he wants to win a ring without Lebron and does Kyrie and Klay,. So, you got 3 guys who are familiar with each other and something to prove. Let's see how this works out. In the meantime, the Mavs need to start winning some games.

Yes they're 3 guys, but we're not in the right year.

[joesha1698]

Post the sources, your words count for nothing.

You're just throw **** on Luka with no reason.

Mav, ban this troll right now. He's speculating

My sources:
1. Like I said in my original post - based on listening to different bball analysts and their speculations: (Kenny smith, Charles Barkley, Amin Hassan on Dan Lebatard's podcast, to name a few) They all believe there is something Dallas is not telling us about why their trading Luka.

2. I also based this on my own logic and watching Luka's behavior this year and in year's past. When you put everything together - the supermax+ his behavior - to me this was a divorce while mgmt still had the cards in their favor.

3. I also left room for conspiracy theories but I haven't seen any proof of that.

[Speadge]

Ive been listening to different bball analysts and many have speculated that Luka didnt want to be here and wasn't completely bought in.

Many? Where do you find those? Because I listen to various basketball analysts as well, but this is the first time I'm hearing something like that.
Besides that, who has done more than Luka in recent years when the Mavs struggled anyway? All those 40-minute games, how many times have we said they’re going to run him into the ground?

The quoted speculations seems more like an alternative, edgy take than anything else to me. On the other hand, everything indicates that Luka really really wanted to stay in Dallas.

[41Dirk41]

Well, you listened some podcast. Great point.

Mav, please.

[Speadge]

My sources:
1. Like I said in my original post - based on listening to different bball analysts and their speculations: (Kenny smith, Charles Barkley, Amin Hassan on Dan Lebatard's podcast, to name a few) They all believe there is something Dallas is not telling us about why their trading Luka.

And your conclusion was that their speculation about something not being told to us means Luka didn't want to be in Dallas? Ah... if life would be just that simple.

[41Dirk41]

Joesha, no offense. Go to Lakers forum.
It's better for you and for us. Trust me.

[joesha1698]

Ive been listening to different bball analysts and many have speculated that Luka didnt want to be here and wasn't completely bought in.

Many? Where do you find those? Because I listen to various basketball analysts as well, but this is the first time I'm hearing something like that.
Besides that, who has done more than Luka in recent years when the Mavs struggled anyway? All those 40-minute games, how many times have we said they’re going to run him into the ground?

The quoted speculations seems more like an alternative, edgy take than anything else to me. On the other hand, everything indicates that Luka really really wanted to stay in Dallas.

I named a few guys in the post above this. Those guys have speculated that no one knows Luka more than the Mavs and they must know something we do not. I agree with them but I also see it with my own eyes with Luka's behavior. Who has done more than Luka with less? Jimmy Bulter is the only guy that comes to mind recently. What he did in 2020 and 2023 finals was sick. He put that team on his back and beat a lot of great players and teams to get the to the finals. Butler lead Miami to 2 final appearances in the last 5 years and nearly 3.


As for why I believe this, just use logic. Luka was playing injured all throughout the playoffs last year. He was visibly seen throughout the playoffs being too tired to get back on defense or battling through soft tissue injuries because of his lack of conditioning. You just lose in the finals and you come back out of shape. There is speculation that his 11 day absence in Nov was because of a fake injury because he was simply out of shape. Imagine Kobe, Dirk, Lebron, etc in their prime losing in the finals, do they come back next season out of shape to start the year? Imagine 100 million additional dollars being on the line on top of it and you still show no urgency to get in the shape you need to be in. There also reports that he was refusing the Mavs personalize trainers and staff to work with his own (aka do whatever he wants because he wasn't in shape)....Does that show leadership? Does that show commitment? Does that give you faith that he wants to be here? This has been a long time coming... And if your the Mavs brass and this guy cannot show up in shape after losing in the finals and 100 million dollars on the line, can you trust him (1) to stay and (2) to actually correct his behavior?

Like I said, this is an unpopular take but unless you believe it was a conspiracy (which i will entertain with proof) Luka gave the Mavs brass every reason to feel like he didn't want to be here. It wasn't taking his profession seriously. The first rule of being a professional athlete is take care of your body. He was not doing that. He's been injured for every playoff run they have had in his time here ( maybe except for the Bubble run).

[joesha1698]

Joesha, no offense. Go to Lakers forum.
It's better for you and for us. Trust me.

Come on man, it's not that serious. You can watch two teams now. Look on the bright side. More fun.

[joesha1698]

My sources:
1. Like I said in my original post - based on listening to different bball analysts and their speculations: (Kenny smith, Charles Barkley, Amin Hassan on Dan Lebatard's podcast, to name a few) They all believe there is something Dallas is not telling us about why their trading Luka.

And your conclusion was that their speculation about something not being told to us means Luka didn't want to be in Dallas? Ah... if life would be just that simple.

Along wit what Nico said about culture and just observing Luka's behavior this year and the last couple of years...his inability to take his diet, body, defense, and leadership seriously.

[joesha1698]

I remember when Klay (compared coming to Dallas) to how he felt when Scottie Pippen was traded to Portland to play with Rasheed Wallace. I actually think were similar to that 2000 Portland team. We got 3 guys known as a second fiddle guys their whole career but who are as talented as a number 1 option in Kyrie, AD, and Klay....even though he's like a 3 or 4 option at this point in his career. Still interesting developments. I think all 3 have something to prove because of that reason.

[41Dirk41]

The only 3 people in the world who support this trade are you, Charles Barkley and Kendrick Perkins.

It's enough.

[Archx]

Well, you listened some podcast. Great point.

Mav, please.

Want me to tell you a secret? He listened to Windhorst and MacMahon. He copied them almost word for word. 2 of the biggest Luka haters out there among ESPN reporters. It's unbelievable what kind of crap Windy has come up with in the past and people sadly picked it up. And the other guy, well, we know basically entire Mavs front office doesn't like him at all because he's a drama queen reporter.

Mavs fanbase is at it's lowest point, i totally expected he'll write something to piss people off and he succeeded (again). Can't wait until Mavrelous will have enough of his BS