-
Dave McMenamin
OKLAHOMA CITY — Following one of the most uneven defeats in his career, Los Angeles Lakers standout Luka Doncic was prompted to share his thoughts on the architect of what is widely regarded as one of the most imbalanced trades in league history, the transaction that facilitated his arrival in L.A. from the Dallas Mavericks. Nico Harrison, Dallas’s president of basketball operations and general manager who initially presented the trade concept to Lakers president Rob Pelinka back in January, was terminated by Mavs owner Patrick Dumont on Tuesday.
After L.A.’s 121-92 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday evening, Doncic was inquired about his feelings regarding the firing.
«Dallas, along with its fans and players, will always hold a unique place in my heart,» Doncic shared. «I believed I would remain there indefinitely, yet that wasn’t the case. Thus, it will consistently be a significant place for me. I will perpetually consider it home. But at this moment, my attention is on the Lakers and progressing forward. Nonetheless, there will invariably be a part of me connected to that place.»
«But I’m just trying to move ahead and focus on my responsibilities here.»
Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and L.A.’s 2029 first-round selection were there. Maxi Kleber, who the Mavericks included to balance the financials, also commented on the Harrison news after the Lakers’ morning shootaround.
«It’s a fast-paced industry, man,» Kleber remarked. «Players, GMs, coaches, everyone. So, you always have to be prepared for the next shift.»
Doncic was brought to the Mavericks in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks on draft night 2018, went on to win Rookie of the Year honors, and became a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, a one-time scoring champion, and was recognized as the 2024 Western Conference Finals MVP — all before turning 25 — with his former franchise.
He had been enjoying a stellar start with L.A. this season — averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists through his initial seven games — prior to facing significant difficulty against the reigning champion Thunder.
Doncic concluded the game with a season-low 19 points on 7-for-20 shooting (1-for-7 from 3-point range), along with 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 turnovers against the Thunder. The Lakers were outsized by 31 points during the 33 minutes Doncic was in play, and the Lakers’ 30-point gap at halftime marked the largest deficit Doncic has ever encountered at the halfway mark in his eight-year journey.
«It certainly wasn’t our finest performance,» Doncic stated. «Perhaps one of the worst this season, but they executed incredibly well. They did a fantastic job against me. They’re champions for a reason, and they demonstrated that today. I believe we need to be better prepared. Clearly, it starts with me. I must perform much better than this and just need to work it out.»
Oklahoma City improved to an impressive 12-1, the best in the league. The Lakers, having a record of 1-2 on their ongoing five-game road trip that concludes with back-to-back games in New Orleans and Milwaukee, hold the No. 5 position in the West with an 8-4 record.
«I’m not concerned,» Doncic replied when asked about the considerable difference between the two teams at the season’s outset. «I see it more as a significant motivation. … They are champions for a good reason, and that serves as great motivation. They kicked off the season even better than last year, if you ask me. It’s a major source of motivation to observe their style of play and work to counteract it.»
