Completely surprised by fan anger: Club boss did not know how important Luka Doncic is

Completely surprised by fan anger: Club boss didn't know how important Luka Doncic is. 22.04.2025, 10:47

When Luka Doncic was unexpectedly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, it triggered an earthquake. The Dallas Mavericks fans are still reeling from this, and the club's relationship with Dirk Nowitzki has also been strained ever since. General Manager Nico Harrison was taken by surprise.

The outcry was huge, and not just in Texas, when the Dallas Mavericks traded their superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. But four-year general manager Nico Harrison, who had brokered the blockbuster deal between the NBA clubs, was apparently caught off guard by the fierce reactions. "I knew Luka was important to the fans," Harrison said in an interview at the end of the season, but he "didn't know exactly to what extent."

Dallas had unexpectedly released Doncic at the beginning of February, although the Slovenian had become the face of the franchise after the retirement of German basketball icon Dirk Nowitzki and had led the team to the Finals the previous year.

Recently, spectators at home games had repeatedly chanted "Fire Nico!" When asked by a reporter why the villain should keep his job after the excitement of the past few weeks, Harrison replied: "I've done a really good job here." Given his many injury problems, he said, it's impossible to judge him after this season.

Relationship with Nowitzki damaged

The Doncic case has also damaged the club's relationship with its agent, Nowitzki. Nowitzki played with the point guard for a year and then handed over the reins to his successor. Nowitzki traveled to Los Angeles for the 26-year-old's Lakers debut.

"It's important to emphasize that he, as an individual, is the most important figure for the franchise," Harrison said of the Würzburg native. The GM did not disclose details about the current status of his relationship with Nowitzki.

Dallas was decisively defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in tournament (106-120). Doncic and the Lakers will play in the playoff round of 16 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are tied 0-1 in the best-of-seven series. The Mavericks want to quickly return to the championship round. Success would help "improve our relationship with the fans, and that's exactly what we're looking to do next year," Harrison said.