Jason Kidd Says There Was 'No Arguing' with Nico Harrison After Luka, Lakers Trade

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd wasted little time before mentally moving on upon learning of Luka Dončić's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kidd recounted Thursday on The Dan Patrick Show how general manager Nico Harrison informed him of the deal at the team hotel ahead of a 144-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 2. He said there was "no arguing" and he immediately started factoring Anthony Davis into his tactical scheme.

Of course, the coach's actual reaction may have been a little different than what he presented to Patrick. Anybody in his shoes would be understandably frustrated by watching a five-time All-Star and generational talent get jettisoned by his GM.

But Kidd knew there was nothing that could be done once negotiations were far enough along for Harrison to have the parameters in place. Based on what we now know, there was no talking Harrison out of the idea, either, if Kidd heard about it earlier in the process. Harrison was determined to acquire Davis, even if it meant parting ways with Dončić.

For Kidd, the trade might be a little more palatable in retrospect after the Mavericks won the 2025 draft lottery.

If Luka never leaves, then Dallas finishes in a playoff position and never has the chance to get Duke's Cooper Flagg. Sometimes a bad process gets good results.

While fans are probably slow to forgive Harrison, using the No. 1 pick on Flagg will represent a clear vision for Kidd and everyone else in the organization to get behind.