Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: NBA, Basketball, LA Lakers
Luke Davies
Dallas Mavericks’ general manager Nico Harrison made a shocking admission about Luka Doncic’s trade to the LA Lakers.
Doncic, 25, was part of one of the most exciting trade deals in NBA history when he transferred from the Dallas Mavericks to the LA Lakers.
Forward/centre Maxi Kleber and forward/centre Markieff Morris all arrived at the Lakers making up the three-player trade deal.
The Lakers parted ways with Anthony Davis and Max Christie who both transferred to Dallas.
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Jalen Hood-Schifino and a future second-round pick were sent to the Utah Jazz.
The Lakers’ general manager (GM), Rob Pelinka, described Doncic as “one-of-a-kind”.
"Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come," said Pelinka.
"His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team.
“We will be relentless in building a roster around the on-court vision Coach Redick has for this basketball team and there is an unwavering commitment to that work to serve our loyal and dedicated fans.
"We are grateful for today and look forward to what's next."
However, it was what the Dallas Mavericks’ GM, Nico Harrison, revealed that has piqued the interest of NBA fans.
“I’d like to give Rob Pelinka a lot of credit,” Harrison said.
“Trades don’t happen, at the smallest level, without stuff getting out.
“Rob and I were able to have really intense conversations over the course of three or four weeks. It started out as a coffee [meetings], it was more ‘hey, would you ever?’ ‘Uh, I don’t know, would I? Let me think.’ It built upon that.
“We kept it between us. We had to, we had to keep it tight. [Kidd] didn’t know about it.
“But [Kidd] and I are aligned and we talk about archetypes and we talk about the culture we want to create. I know the type of players that he likes without actually talking to him.”
“We think defense wins championships and we’re bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league,” he added.
“We’re excited to feel like we’re built to win now as well as in the future.”
Doncic has not played since Christmas Day due to a calf strain. According to Sporting News, he aims to return to action before NBA's All-Star break, which commences on Thursday 13 February.