The trade that sent Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers will go down as one of the most notorious in NBA history. The Mavericks dealt a five-time All-NBA player in his prime at just 25 years old for an older, more injury-prone, and less effective Anthony Davis. To make matters worse, Dallas didn’t even receive sufficient draft assets in return—just one essentially worthless pick, now that Doncic is locked in with the Lakers long-term.
The deal was so shockingly one-sided that even President Donald Trump reportedly caught wind of it. According to Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta, during a conversation in the Oval Office—while meeting with the Italian Prime Minister and President Trump—he brought up what he called the “dumbass” trade involving Doncic.
“I was in the Oval Office last Thursday with the President and the Prime Minister of Italy. We briefly talked about the Houston Cougars for a minute or so. Then we discussed that ridiculous Luka Doncic trade Dallas made,” Fertitta shared.
From Fertitta’s perspective, Dallas parting ways with Doncic is a win, as it removes a major threat from Texas, clearing the path for the Rockets. Houston, after all, claimed the unofficial “Best in Texas” title this season with a strong 52-30 record and a No. 2 seed in the West, especially with Wembanyama sidelined and Doncic now wearing purple and gold.
Still, Doncic staying in the Western Conference—and landing with one of the league’s most iconic franchises—likely doesn’t sit well with Fertitta. The Lakers continue their legacy of superstar talent, now transitioning seamlessly from LeBron James to Luka Doncic.
Fertitta, a known supporter of President Trump, donated $420,000 to PACs supporting Trump’s campaign. But even his contributions pale in comparison to those from the Mavericks’ ownership. Miriam Adelson, who owns the team, reportedly gave around $100 million to the pro-Trump Preserve America PAC.
While President Trump’s personal reaction to the trade remains unknown, it’s easy to imagine Fertitta’s comments coloring the conversation in the Oval Office. Like many in Dallas, even Trump might be left wondering why Mavericks GM Nico Harrison is still calling the shots.
Reports also suggest Doncic’s relationship with the new Mavericks ownership had deteriorated just weeks before the blockbuster trade to L.A.
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