Luka Doncic Sends 4-Word Message After NBA Legend Calls Out Mavericks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 4:42 AM ET

Basketball Hall of Famer Don Nelson was honored before Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. The legendary former head coach was given the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award. Ranking second all-time in head coaching wins behind former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, Nelson is a basketball icon who was recognized as such on Sunday.

While this honor was about Nelson, the 85-year-old used it as an opportunity to spotlight Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic. Attending the news conference wearing Doncic’s signature Jordan Brand shoes, Nelson took a moment to call out the Dallas Mavericks for trading him.

Don Nelson. Legend. pic.twitter.com/2Fu8UZ2y77
— Jason Gallagher (@jga41agher) June 8, 2025

“I'm wearing Luka's new shoes from Nike,” he said. “Just got on the market. And I'm wearing them in protest for the trade from Dallas. I think it was a tremendous mistake by the Dallas franchise to trade him. And I want everybody to know that.”

Early Monday morning, Doncic took to his Instagram story with a four-word message for Nelson.

“Congratulations Coach!” he exclaimed. “Nice shoes!”

More than four months removed from the Doncic trade, it remains one of the most-discussed topics in the NBA landscape. Beloved in Dallas, the Slovenian guard made five All-NBA teams and led the Mavericks to a Western Conference championship last season.

Beginning a new chapter in Los Angeles, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28 regular season games for LA. He helped the Lakers secure the Western Conference’s third seed, but they were eliminated in the opening round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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