Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis Feud Rumors Called 'Fake News' by Mavs' Jason Kidd

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has shot down rumors of a feud between Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. 

Appearing on ESPN's First Take, Kidd called the speculation "fake news" and said his top two players have a relationship that is "at a high level."

Rumblings of a feud go back to last season when Mavs owner Mark Cuban went on 105.3 The Fan's K&C Masterpiece show (h/t Sports Illustrated's Mike Fisher) in April to address the dynamic between Doncic and Porzingis. 

"On the court they are fine," Cuban said. "That's not to say their aren't dust-ups, because there are. I'd compare it to Jet and Dirk."

Fisher reported in June that Doncic was unhappy with Porzingis for breaking protocols when he went to a strip club in Los Angeles during the playoffs. 

The Mavericks have a lot invested in Doncic and Porzingis being one of the best duos in the NBA. Doncic has been able to carry them into the playoffs as the only All-Star player on the roster, but Dallas has lost in the first round each of the past two years. 

Porzingis has been a disappointment since being acquired by the Mavs in a trade with the New York Knicks in January 2019. The 26-year-old signed a five-year max extension worth $158 million six months later. 

Since the start of the 2019-20 campaign, Porzingis has averaged 20.3 points on 44.8 percent shooting and 9.2 rebounds in 100 games. He missed the final three games of Dallas' first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers in the bubble with a torn meniscus. 

Porzingis started all seven games in last season's playoff rematch with the Clippers. He averaged just 13.1 points per game and shot 29.6 percent from three-point range. 

The Mavericks will open the 2021-22 season on Oct. 21 against the Atlanta Hawks.