On February 2, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks made headlines with a significant trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, surprising the entire NBA community. Recently, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd made a shocking claim about his role in the decision-making process regarding the blockbuster trade.
While the Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis in this deal, the decision to part with Doncic has drawn significant backlash and criticism from analysts and fans alike. Kidd recently appeared on the Dan Patrick Show, where he revealed his initial reaction upon learning about the Mavericks’ decision to trade Doncic.
“I was told by my boss, Nico, that we were going to make a change. This is in the hotel in Cleveland. And so he said the news was going to hit in an hour, and that’s how it went down… so for me, it’s to move forward. I thought my players and my coaching staff did an incredible job with, once they heard the news, of preparing to keep moving forward and especially with the trade and the injuries, I thought we did an incredible job,” Kidd said.
Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison encountered significant criticism following Doncic’s departure. Numerous fans, analysts, and players expressed discontent with his decision to trade the star player.
Jason Kidd Shares High Praise For Luka Doncic’s Remarkable Talent
Doncic spent seven seasons with the Dallas Mavericks before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Under the guidance of head coach Jason Kidd, he led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in the 2023-24 season. In a recent segment on the Dan Patrick Show, Coach Kidd praised Doncic for his amazing talent.
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“I loved the opportunity of coaching Luka. He’s an incredible person, and we all know his talent is one of the best in the world. I’ve always said this publicly and privately, I wish Luka the best,” Kidd said.
Following the trade, Doncic showcased impressive performances for the Lakers as he guided the team into the postseason. However, they faced a tough challenge and ultimately fell in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Also Read: Was Luka Doncic’s Lakers Move Rigged? Fans Convinced NBA Forced Blockbuster Trade Amid Ratings Slump
