On February 2, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks created a stir in the NBA community by trading their star player, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Many NBA players, analysts, and fans pointed fingers at Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison for this controversial decision.
Harrison endured considerable scrutiny after Doncic’s exit, as numerous players, analysts, and fans expected that Doncic would play his entire career for the Mavericks. However, two months following the trade, Harrison finally addressed the question of whether he regretted the choice to part ways with Doncic.
“There’s no regrets on the trade. Part of my job is to do the best thing for the Mavericks, not only today, but also in the future, and some of the decisions I’m going to make are going to be unpopular. That’s my job, and I have to stand by it.” Harrison said (via Tim MacMahon of ESPN).
"There's no regrets on the trade. Part of it is doing the best thing for the Mavs."
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2025
– Nico Harrison
(Via @CBSNewsTexas ) pic.twitter.com/arBcIqYQCj
After the trade, Doncic adjusted rapidly to his new teammates and began to excel during games. As a result of his remarkable performance, the Lakers concluded the regular season in 3rd place, achieving a record of 50 wins and 32 losses, thereby clinching a position in the playoffs.
Nico Harrison’s Bold Perspective On The Mavericks’ 2023-24 Roster Featuring Luka Doncic
Mavericks supporters, discontent with the trade involving Doncic, have urged the organization to dismiss Nico Harrison. However, two months after receiving this backlash, Harrison provided a defense in a recent interview with Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
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Harrison discussed several transactions, including the acquisitions of Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington, when questioned about the vocal demands from Dallas fans for his removal. Furthermore, during the interview, he was prompted to share his thoughts on whether the foundation of last season’s Finals roster, featuring Doncic as a key player, could effectively contend for a championship.
“I’ll say this again: Defense wins championships,” Harrison said (via Tim MacMahon of ESPN).
Mavs GM Nico Harrison and CEO Rick Welts just wrapped up an hour-long session with select members of Dallas-based media.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 15, 2025
“Defense wins championships” was the phrase uttered most often.
Will have full coverage on @espn this afternoon.
Doncic’s inclusion with the Lakers proves to be a major asset for the team. Looking ahead, the Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
Also Read: Former NBA Star Puts Luka Doncic On Blast For Not Playing “Championship Basketball”
