Cuban: 'I let people down' with Luka trade

Former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban is still reeling from Luka Doncic's shocking trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.

"We all were hurt when Luka got traded. Me as much as anyone because I felt like I let people down by not being there. But what's done is done," Cuban told the "DLLS Mavs Podcast."

Cuban relinquished control of basketball operations after selling his majority stake in the Mavericks to Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont in December 2023.

Dallas president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison now reports to Dumont on all roster personnel matters, even though Cuban still has a 27% share in the franchise.

Cuban has already been vocal about the lacking return for Doncic, which consisted of Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. However, he's optimistic that Cooper Flagg - this year's No. 1 overall pick - will help re-engage the club's fan base.

"We got Cooper. The basketball gods were looking down on us, and Coop's the real deal. He's not even 19 years old," Cuban said. "He could literally - depending on science - play for the Mavs for 25 years. I'm guessing if we do well and win, those sentiments will change."