Luka Doncic Says It’s 'Sad' How Mavs GM Nico Harrison Has Spoken About Lakers Trade
Luka Dončić isn't a fan of the way Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has addressed his surprising trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
"It’s just sad the way he’s talking right now," Dončić told ESPN's Malika Andrews. "I never said anything bad about him and I just want to move on."
The star forward also confirmed that he hasn't talked with Harrison since he left Dallas.
When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Harrison explained that he made the trade to bolster the Mavericks defense.
"But our philosophy, like I said, going forward is defense wins championships and we're built on defense," Harrison said, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "And this trade cements us for that."
When Dallas' trip to the NBA Finals in 2024 was brought up by reporters, the general manager reiterated his stance.
"I'll say this again: Defense wins championships," Harrison said, via MacMahon.
The Mavericks dealt Dončić to the Lakers on Feb. 2 in exchange for a package that included Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
It was a shocking move, as the 26-year-old has earned All-Star appearances in each of the past five years and didn't request to be traded.
Dončić immediately provided a boost to Los Angeles following the change of scenery, averaging 28.2 points and 8.1 rebounds to go along with 7.5 assists per game on 43.8/37.9/79.1 shooting splits with his new team.
The Lakers finished the regular season with a 50-32 record, clinching the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings.
As for the Mavericks, Davis appeared in only nine regular-season games due to an adductor strain.
Dallas is attempting to secure a playoff spot in the play-in tournament, while Los Angeles is preparing to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
