UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic addressed the recent firing of Nico Harrison, the former general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, following a disheartening 121-92 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 1, 2023.
Harrison, who orchestrated what many consider one of the most controversial trades in NBA history—sending Doncic to L.A. in exchange for Anthony Davis—was dismissed by Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont just days before the Lakers’ defeat. Doncic, reflecting on his ties to Dallas, stated, “The city of Dallas, the fans, the players, they’ll always have a special place in my heart.” However, he emphasized his focus on the Lakers and their upcoming challenges.
After the game, Doncic was asked about the implications of Harrison’s firing. “Right now, I’m just focused on the Lakers,” he reiterated, signaling a commitment to his current team amidst the chaos. This statement comes as the Lakers struggle to find their rhythm, currently holding a record of 8-4 and sitting at No. 5 in the Western Conference.
Doncic’s performance against Oklahoma City was lackluster, marking a season-low with just 19 points on 7-for-20 shooting. His team was outscored by 31 points while he was on the court, a stark contrast to his impressive start to the season, where he averaged 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists over the first seven games.
Despite the setback, Doncic remains optimistic about the Lakers’ potential. “It’s not concerning… It’s more of a big motivation,” he said, acknowledging the Thunder’s impressive 12-1 record as a standard the Lakers aim to meet.
Meanwhile, Maxi Kleber, a teammate who was also part of the trade, shared his thoughts on the swift nature of the business. “It’s a fast business, man,” he remarked during the Lakers’ morning shootaround, indicating the unpredictable landscape players and executives navigate.
As the Lakers prepare for a critical back-to-back series against New Orleans and Milwaukee, Doncic’s immediate focus remains on improving performance and solidifying team dynamics. With the NBA season still young, fans and analysts will be closely watching how the Lakers respond to this recent turmoil.
For now, Doncic’s commitment to the Lakers is clear, but the shadow of his past with the Mavericks looms large, leaving many to wonder about his long-term future in L.A. The basketball world is on alert as these developments unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.