Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“Classless” – Mavericks fans slam Jason Kidd for taking a jibe at Luka Doncic’s usage rate

Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the trade deadline.

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Jason Kidd had to face the wrath of the Dallas Mavericks’ fans after he took a jibe at the usage rate of their former player Luka Doncic. Notably, the Mavericks got on fans’ radar after they traded their star player Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.

The eighth-seeded team appeared against the Heat on Thursday, and recorded their second-consecutive win, taking down the rivals 118-113. However, ahead of the game, head coach Jason Kidd had interacted with the media, where he took a dig at their former superstar, Doncic’s usage rate.

He said that his other players are now getting more shots, reason being Doncic isn’t with the team anymore and players can make up more of the opportunity to score more points.

That’s not it, what irked the fans more that Kidd didn’t take name of the Slovenian and targeted him indirectly. While speaking to the media, Kidd spoke about Kyrie’s 42-point performance against the Warriors and said that he was getting more shot opportunities due to the “player that got traded”.

“Everybody will get more shots just because of the player that we traded, he was involved in everything,” said Kidd.

Notably, according to statmuse, Doncic had the highest usage percentage in 2023-24, at 35.9%.

Jason Kidd’s comments didn’t sit well with the fans and they took to social media to express their frustration towards the 51-year-old.

Check out some of the reactions:

One user responded to the comment hilariously and wrote,

Talking about your ex in front of your new girl. Avoid all references of the previous, act like you didn’t even meet them.
— A C 💭 (@77andSunnyInLA) February 14, 2025

You just know Luka would be the last one laughing here.
— Domen Zagar (@Domen128) February 14, 2025

Why you cant mentioned his name?? After all he led this team for five yrs.
— frances padernal (@FrancesPad80426) February 14, 2025

His name is Luka
— Deborah Murry (@dmurry) February 14, 2025

Their persistent trashing of Luka is truly weird. And classless. But really, truly, mind-bogglingly weird.
— V (@wheresvtoday) February 14, 2025

A fan dropped a two-word reaction and wrote,

Cry Harder
— Travis F (@TravisNFLDraft) February 14, 2025

Mavericks’ struggles after Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers

Luka was sent to the Lakers in one of the most unexpected NBA deals ever, which sent fans and players into a state of shock. However, it seems that the five-time NBA All-Star has settled in his new home, given he has played two games in the yellow-purple jersey.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, are struggling with their newest purchase. Anthony, who made his debut against the Rockets, sustained an adductor strain in his first game and is likely to miss out on a month’s action.

Not only this, there are several other players on the injury list as well, including Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and more. Ahead of their Thursday’s game, the Mavs released a PR, which ruled several players out of the game.

Also Read:

How many points did Luka Doncic score on his debut with Lakers? Full Stats vs Jazz
“Be your f***ing self”- LeBron James sends clear message to Luka Doncic ahead of debut game for Lakers
“You shouldn’t be a part of Mavericks”- Dallas owner Patrick Dumont breaks silence on Luka Doncic trade

Notably, the Mavericks (30-26) will now be up against the Pelicans on Friday, Feb. 21. On the other hand, Luka will be in action for the Lakers in their upcoming clash against the Hornets on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

He won’t be featuring in the NBA All-Star Game this weekend as the calf-injury that kept him sidelined for almost two months prevented him from getting picked for the star-studded game.

Dallas Mavericks

Jason Kidd

Luka Doncic

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.