Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23) on the court in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Slams Lakers-Mavs Blockbuster Trade

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 8:51 PM ET

Don Nelson spent eight seasons as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

On Sunday night, the 85-year-old was honored by the NBA.

Via David Aldridge of The Athletic: "This year’s recipient of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Basketball Coaches Association is Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson:"

This year’s recipient of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Basketball Coaches Association is Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson: pic.twitter.com/TMTUtaX9QH
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 8, 2025

When Nelson met with the media, he spoke about the Luka Doncic trade that sent the franchise legend to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year.

Nelson (h/t HoopsHype): "As a matter of fact, I want everybody to know that I'm wearing Luka's shoes. His new shoes from Nike... 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."

Doncic spent part of seven seasons with the Mavs before the trade in February.

While the Lakers finished the season strong, they lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs (as the third seed) to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Via ESPN's Tim MacMahon: "Chuck Daly Award winner Don Nelson makes a point to mention that he’s wearing Luka 4s as a form of protest of the trade that shipped Luka Doncic to the Lakers."

Chuck Daly Award winner Don Nelson makes a point to mention that he’s wearing Luka 4s as a form of protest of the trade that shipped Luka Doncic to the Lakers.

“I think it was a tremendous mistake for the Dallas franchise to trade him — and I want everybody to know that.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 8, 2025