Jason Kidd Talks Luka-Lakers Trade, 'Nothing We Can Do. He's Not Coming Back as a Mav'

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is hoping that Luka Dončić's first game at American Airlines Center since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers provides some closure on the discussion around the deal.

Speaking to reporters after the Lakers defeated the Mavs 112-97 in Dallas on Wednesday night, Kidd said he's turning his attention to ending the regular season strong:

"That's all we're worried about. Understanding emotion and all the attention on this game, this game is over. There's nothing we can do. He's not coming back as a Mav. He's with the Lakers, so we have to move forward and that's what we've done."

It's much easier said than done for Mavs fans, who are still trying to understand why they traded one of the best players in the NBA who is only 26 years old. It didn't help matters that Dončić dropped 45 points for the Lakers on Wednesday.

For people like Kidd and the players on the Mavericks roster, there's nothing they can do but move forward. The organization made its decision and will hope things work out.

Kidd did make a comparison before the game to one of the most famous player swaps in sports history that doesn't necessarily bode well for the Mavericks.

"Trades happen. This won't be the last trade," Kidd said. "Some have compared it to Babe Ruth, which is kind of cool."

The problem with that comparison, at least from the Mavs' perspective, is the Boston Red Sox sending Ruth to the New York Yankees in December 1919 marked the start of the "Curse of the Bambino" that wasn't broken until the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series after an 86-year title drought.

Kidd and the Mavericks have secured a spot in the play-in tournament. They will either be the No. 9 or 10 seed, with the Sacramento Kings currently holding a one-game lead for the ninth spot.

Making the play-in tournament will be of little comfort to Mavericks fans, but Kidd is trying to do the best job he can going forward because there's nothing else to be done.