The Stephen A. Smith Show Featuring Mark Cuban - Episode Summary

Release Date: April 6, 2025

Host: Stephen A. Smith

Guest: Mark Cuban, former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, host of ABC’s "Shark Tank," and entrepreneur.

1. Introduction and Personal Updates

Stephen A. Smith ([01:21]) opens the episode by warmly welcoming Mark Cuban, highlighting his roles as the host of "Shark Tank," minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and speculating humorously about a potential presidential run.

Mark Cuban ([02:02]) shares personal updates, emphasizing the positive developments in his family and business ventures:

“My kids, you know, my freshman. My son is playing basketball this season. My daughter got a rowing scholarship... Everybody's healthy. My wife is happy.” ([02:02])

2. Selling Majority Stake in the Dallas Mavericks

Stephen A. Smith ([02:21]) delves into Cuban's decision to sell the majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks, a move that surprised many given his 23-year tenure.

Mark Cuban ([02:48]) explains his reasons:

“One family. ... I was missing too much of that... The NBA has evolved... It didn't play to my strengths any longer.” ([02:48])

He emphasizes the importance of family time and his desire for his children to forge their own paths without the pressures of public ownership:

“I want them to find their own way... Or find their own path.” ([04:21])

3. Departure from Running Basketball Operations and Luka Doncic Trade

Stephen A. Smith ([05:51]) questions Cuban about his role post-sale, particularly regarding his involvement in basketball operations.

Mark Cuban ([06:21]) reflects on the challenges faced after stepping back:

“We went to the finals... It was never that easy over the course of time... Once I was out of the picture, we really didn't have anybody that had any long term experience in making decisions in the NBA.” ([06:21])

Stephen A. Smith ([07:28]) probes into the controversial trade of star player Luka Doncic:

“Could you have ever imagined yourself trading Luka Doncic?” ([07:28])

Mark Cuban ([07:52]) admits he was blindsided by the decision:

“I don't know... Nico felt it was the best decision...” ([07:58])

He criticizes the lack of contractual safeguards, describing the agreement to maintain his 27% stake as merely a handshake deal:

“It was a handshake agreement... The NBA said no. It's between you and the new ownership.” ([07:04])

4. Cultural Differences and Player Management

Stephen A. Smith ([10:08]) asks Cuban to elaborate on his views regarding cultural differences affecting player dynamics, particularly with Luka Doncic.

Mark Cuban ([10:08]) discusses the distinct mindset of Balkan players:

“Luka was just... like every other guy... He relates so well to all the other players from that part of the world.” ([10:08])

He emphasizes the necessity of understanding players' cultural backgrounds to make informed decisions:

“You have to accept those differences in players from that part of the world.” ([12:54])

5. Political Views and Potential Candidacy

Stephen A. Smith ([14:11]) transitions the conversation to politics, highlighting a poll where Mark Cuban leads as a potential vice-presidential candidate.

Mark Cuban ([15:00]) humorously addresses the poll:

“I didn't play second fiddle to nobody.” ([15:00])

He clarifies his stance on not having been offered a position in Donald Trump’s administration:

“No, he didn't offer me a position ever.” ([15:50])

6. Critique of Current Political Strategies

Stephen A. Smith ([15:28]) challenges Cuban on his support for Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party, questioning the efficacy of their strategies.

Mark Cuban ([19:59]) provides a critical analysis of the Republican Party’s alignment with Donald Trump:

“The Republican Party is the Trump family business now... tariffs are a beautiful word. And we're going to have tariffs. They don't go together at all.” ([18:29])

He critiques the Democrats for not effectively addressing the negative impacts of Trump’s policies:

“The Democrats need to be going there and talking to those people, hold the town halls, listen to them...” ([26:15])

7. Healthcare Initiatives and AI Technology

Stephen A. Smith ([29:39]) shifts focus to Cuban's business ventures, specifically Cost Plus Drugs, aimed at reducing prescription drug costs.

Mark Cuban ([29:50]) explains the impact of tariffs on his business:

“If there's a 10%, 20% tariff, we'll add that onto the cost... we're almost always cheaper.” ([29:50])

He discusses his ventures in AI, highlighting platforms like Blue Sky and Skylight:

“AI is just the coolest I've ever seen in technology. It’s going to change the world.” ([34:34])

8. Impact of AI on the Job Market

Stephen A. Smith ([36:27]) raises concerns about AI’s potential to displace jobs.

Mark Cuban ([36:42]) offers a balanced perspective:

“There's going to be disruption during the transition times... It'll create a lot more jobs because it's such a tool that can allow people to be more creative.” ([36:42])

He likens the AI revolution to past technological shifts, acknowledging both challenges and opportunities:

“It's like the old days... people lost their jobs. But there's nothing you can do to stop it globally.” ([36:42])

9. Thoughts on Kyrie Irving

Stephen A. Smith ([32:02]) brings up Kyrie Irving, asking Cuban's thoughts on the star player.

Mark Cuban ([32:34]) praises Irving, highlighting his resilience and character:

“He has just got a heart of gold... He approaches life where he's like, this is what I've been given... another challenge.” ([32:34])

10. Future Plans and NBA Insights

In the final segment, Stephen A. Smith ([38:05]) poses a hypothetical question about the NBA Finals, wagering Cuban's 27% stake in the Mavericks.

Mark Cuban ([38:20]) responds with unwavering support for the Mavericks:

“What you're telling me the Dallas Mavericks are going to shock the world? ... you can never get me off of that. Ever.” ([38:20])

Stephen A. Smith ([38:48]) concludes the interview on a light-hearted note, reaffirming their mutual respect:

“Love you, man. It's good to see you, man. Thank you for being on the show.” ([38:48])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mark Cuban ([02:02]): “My kids... everybody's healthy. My wife is happy.”
• Mark Cuban ([02:48]): “The NBA has evolved... It didn't play to my strengths any longer.”
• Mark Cuban ([07:58]): “Nico felt it was the best decision.”
• Mark Cuban ([10:08]): “You have to accept those differences in players from that part of the world.”
• Mark Cuban ([15:00]): “I didn't play second fiddle to nobody.”
• Mark Cuban ([19:59]): “The Republican Party is the Trump family business now.”
• Mark Cuban ([29:50]): “We're almost always cheaper.”
• Mark Cuban ([34:34]): “AI is just the coolest I've ever seen in technology.”
• Mark Cuban ([36:42]): “There's going to be disruption... It'll create a lot more jobs.”
• Mark Cuban ([38:20]): “You can never get me off of that. Ever.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers an in-depth conversation with Mark Cuban, covering his personal life, significant business decisions, insights into the NBA, political views, and perspectives on emerging technologies like AI. Cuban's candid reflections provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of his multifaceted career and his thoughts on current societal and economic issues.