NBA Rumors: Lead Execs Say They Would've 'Bested' Lakers Trade Package for Luka Doncic
The Los Angeles Lakers' acquisition of star guard Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks is still generating reactions across the NBA, and some are reportedly unhappy that they weren't given the chance to make an offer for him.
The Athletic's Christian Clark, Mike Vorkunov and Fred Katz reported that some executives were disappointed in Mavs general manager Nico Harrison's decision to negotiate solely with the Lakers because they believe they would've presented a better deal for Dončić.
"Since the completion of the trade, other lead executives have privately vented they could have bested the Lakers’ offer, one that didn’t even include all of Los Angeles’ top chips," Clark, Vorkunov and Katz stated. "Their teams were left in the dark, unlike how it normally goes when a generational performer hits the market."
It was noted that Harrison "contacted at least one non-Lakers team about flipping Dončić for another star," but league sources said "he entered negotiations only with" Los Angeles. Harrison reportedly didn't want the potential trade to be made public because he "worried that a disastrous environment could form inside the organization."
Instead, the Mavs created turmoil outside their organization, with fans continuing to protest the decision to trade the face of the franchise. Star big man Anthony Davis, who headlined the return for Dončić, suffered an adductor strain in his Dallas debut and is set to miss multiple weeks.
The Mavs, who rank eighth in the Western Conference with a 30-26 record, will return from the All-Star break on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans (13-42). Dončić and the Pacific Division-leading Lakers (32-20) will face the Charlotte Hornets (13-39) on Wednesday.
