Ever since trading away their generational superstar, Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks have seemingly been leaking out more and more information, in hopes of rationalizing their highly criticized blockbuster trade to the public.
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That is, in the latest report, the Mavs supposedly took issue with Luka's 'taste for beer and hookah' and felt his health history would impact his future (per The Athletic's Sam Amick).
"Make no mistake, the people who witnessed Doncic's last days in Dallas do not paint a flattering portrait of the 25-year-old's professionalism," Amick wrote. "They call him lazy. They talk about the weight issues that were such a frequent frustration within their walls."
The article continued, "They [Mavericks] predict his basketball demise, highlighting a health history that, as some see it, will likely lead to catastrophe in the next five years or so."
In particular, it was reported that Luka partaking in smoking hookah and drinking beer had been alarming for the organization.
In view of this, many fans have reacted by mocking Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and the rest of the team's front office.
One user wrote on X: "Smart thinking! Do you think Michael Jordan ever drank alcohol or smoked cigars?"
Another fan sarcastically remarked, "It's a good thing they replaced him with AD. The picture of health and consistency."
With this in mind, under the notion that Luka's on-the-court performance seemingly was never impacted by his supposed off-the-court habits, many feel the Mavericks overreacted.
As one fan pointed out, just last year, "Hookah Doncic led them to the Finals."
In his first game vs. his former team on Tuesday night (Lakers 107-99 win), Luka dropped his 81st career triple-double (19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists), which actually set an NBA record, making him the youngest player ever to record a triple-double vs. all 30 NBA teams.
A fan summed it all up in a post on X, "I don't care if he's smoking marlboros on the court with beef jerky falling out his pockets - if he's knocking down triple-doubles and carrying your franchise to the playoffs every year, you deal with it and build around him."
Related: Luka Doncic Makes History During His First Game Vs. Dallas Mavs
