Lakers’ Doncic says ‘heart was broken’ after trade, hasn’t spoken to Mavs GM
Luka Doncic said he has not spoken to Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison since the trade to send him to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package including Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
The Luka Doncic trade stunned the NBA world when it broke in February.
And perhaps no one was more caught off guard than Doncic himself, who said in an ESPN interview on Friday that he smashed his phone after receiving the call that he was being dealt.
“Sadness, mostly. I was still in shock, like crazy shock. I felt like my heart was broken, honestly,” Doncic said of his initial response to the news.
The 26-year-old Slovenian star said he has not spoken to Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison since the trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package including Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
Asked if he intended on staying a Maverick for life, Doncic answered unequivocally.
“Of course, that’s an easy question,” he said.
Now, he’s set to start a playoff run alongside LeBron James and the Lakers. Third-seeded Los Angeles will tip off with a first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.
Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, losing in five games against the Boston Celtics.
Harrison has said his team could not continue to contend for championships as it was constructed, repeating the mantra that “defence wins championships” to reporters in an April interview.
“It’s just sad the way he’s talking right now,” Doncic said. “I never said anything bad about him, and I just want to move on. The fans, my ex-teammates, I’ll always keep at heart. It’s time to move on.”
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Watch NBA Play-In action on Sportsnet
The NBA Play-In Tournament wraps up with two games on Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet+. The Hawks host the Heat at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and then the Grizzlies entertain the Mavericks at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT
The Mavericks will face the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In tournament on Friday (Sportsnet, 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT) for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Asked if he now wants to remain a Laker for life, Doncic was once again unequivocal.
“Yes.”
