is there now a pathway for Luka to return to the Mavericks in the future

Baz · Post #1 » by **Baz** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:47 pm

While Luka was on the Mavericks, there were countless premature posts speculating Luka's next team, and when Luka would leave the Mavericks, so allow me to have a little fun in the reverse scenario.

I think the league is quite chummy about the buzz Luka and the Lakers are providing them and personally it simultaneously makes me happy and pains me to see Luka looking like himself again. But I can't help but think Luka and the Mavericks are taking a break rather than having a permanent break up. I don't think that's a hopeful take. I think it's realistic, given the connection Luka has with the city and its fans and the likelihood that he will never have proper closure until he closes the book. It only took LeBron 4 years to get back to Cleveland, and that was an arguably even nastier break up. Now that Nico's gone, could the writing be on the wall for Luka to return home some time in the future?

In my mind, that will happen if either A ownership sells, or B Dirk and Cuban both have larger roles in the franchise. And even if these things happen, I don't think it'll happen until after his prime probably.

knicksfan974 · Post #2 » by **knicksfan974** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:49 pm

Luka will retire as a Laker and become a legend in LA. Next question?

dballislife · Post #3 » by **dballislife** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:51 pm

of course, in 5 years when doncic is leaving his prime, cooper will be starting his prime so a swap would be perfect for la and the nba

Baz · Post #4 » by **Baz** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:53 pm

knicksfan974 wrote:Luka will retire as a Laker and become a legend in LA. Next question?

LeBron went back to his city and he chose to leave in the first place. Luka didn't want to leave his city.

pepe1991 · Post #5 » by **pepe1991** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:54 pm

Sure. As head coach :rofl:

Shock Defeat · Post #6 » by **Shock Defeat** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:54 pm

Luka for AD and Max Christie, who says no?

dirkdiggler4177 · Post #7 » by **dirkdiggler4177** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:55 pm

Shock Defeat wrote:Luka for AD and Max Christie, who says no?

Harrison

Optms · Post #8 » by **Optms** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:58 pm

I remember when RealGM told me Luka was not signing that extension. Now he's going back to Dallas down the road? :lol:

Optms · Post #9 » by **Optms** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:00 pm

Baz wrote:
knicksfan974 wrote:Luka will retire as a Laker and become a legend in LA. Next question?

LeBron went back to his city and he chose to leave in the first place. Luka didn't want to leave his city.

Lebron left Miami because he didn't have the power to oversee Riley and Spo. Lakers belong to Luka. He is running the show. He's not going anywhere. Meanwhile Dallas has zero direction now and are in freefall towards irrelevancy.

TheNG · Post #10 » by **TheNG** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:03 pm

I can actually see it happening a few years from now.

MrGoat · Post #11 » by **MrGoat** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:04 pm

No. The Adelsons are still there, and what's done is now done.

Baz · Post #12 » by **Baz** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:06 pm

Optms wrote:
Baz wrote:
knicksfan974 wrote:Luka will retire as a Laker and become a legend in LA. Next question?

LeBron went back to his city and he chose to leave in the first place. Luka didn't want to leave his city.

Lebron left Miami because he didn't have the power to oversee Riley and Spo. Lakers belong to Luka. He is running the show. He's not going anywhere. Meanwhile Dallas has zero direction now and are in freefall towards irrelevancy.

To be fair it really can't get any worse for the Dallas Mavericks right now. I don't know if they can freefall any further.

Baz · Post #13 » by **Baz** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:08 pm

Optms wrote:I remember when RealGM told me Luka was not signing that extension. Now he's going back to Dallas down the road?

You laugh but I don't see how it's an outlandish thought if there's a change in ownership and Dirk has a larger role. You simply don't understand Luka if you don't think there's a chance IF these things happen. Though I'll admit that's a big if, and this is merely fantasy

SlimShady83 · Post #14 » by **SlimShady83** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:09 pm

No, No chance of this happening. Then again never say never in the NBA

p0peye · Post #15 » by **p0peye** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:18 pm

A guy that was practically in tears when only team he wanted to play for traded him during the night, without a heads up? Sure, I see no reason why he wouldn't return now that Mavs are in shambles and Lakers seem to be contending.

Calvin Klein · Post #16 » by **Calvin Klein** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:19 pm

Time to move on. Although I still haven't moved on from not drafting him, so I guess you will never move on. :lol:

Baz · Post #17 » by **Baz** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:21 pm

p0peye wrote:A guy that was practically in tears when only team he wanted to play for traded him during the night, without a heads up? Sure, I see no reason why he wouldn't return now that Mavs are in shambles and Lakers seem to be contending.

* in the future *

thelead · Post #18 » by **thelead** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:24 pm

Maybe if things go sideways in LA, Mavericks get sold to new ownership, and Dirk is named PBO… I guess it *could* happen

Post #19 » by **zimpy27** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:30 pm

I don't see it. Chance is under 1%

CobraCommander · Post #20 » by **CobraCommander** » Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:31 pm

Baz wrote:
knicksfan974 wrote:Luka will retire as a Laker and become a legend in LA. Next question?

LeBron went back to his city and he chose to leave in the first place. Luka didn't want to leave his city.

“His city”?

Is Dallas now in Slovenia ?

Luka is a Laker so much so you can’t say LukA without LA - it’s in the name at this point .

Dallas has flagg tho rebuild and be happy