Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic shares his honest thoughts on Mavericks GM Nico Harrison

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 11:39 PM ET

Luka Doncic does not understand where the animosity from his former boss is coming from.

Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has been vocal about his reasons for trading Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s centered on a three-word philosophy that’s been much maligned by fans since he first mentioned it in February: Defense wins championships.

Harrison repeatedly said the line while getting grilled during the Mavericks’ controversial “closed-door” meeting earlier this week.

In a recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Doncic was asked to comment on Harrison and his firm belief that Doncic is not a championship-caliber player.

“It’s just sad, the way he’s talking right now,” Doncic told Andrews. “I never say anything bad about him. And I just want to move on. The fans, my ex-teammates always keep it hard. But it’s time for me to move on.”

Luka Doncic says he wanted to finish his career in Dallas and says Nico Harrison’s comments are ‘sad’

“It’s just sad the way he’s talking right now…”

( @ESPNNBA / h/t @KevinGraySports )

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In the same interview, Doncic also recounted the fateful moment when the Mavericks had informed him that he was being traded. The Slovenian superstar shared that he had smashed his phone in anger, but still uses it to this day.

Doncic ended up in a great situation with the Lakers, who went 24-13 after acquiring the five-time All-Star from Dallas. The Mavericks, on the other hand, have had to deal with several misfortunes since the trade was consummated.

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

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