In 2025, the NBA experienced one of the most unexpected trades of the season, a move that left fans and experts shocked : Luka Doncic left the Dallas Mavericks to join the Los Angeles Lakers . Few believed that the Slovenian, one of the best players today, would leave the team that saw him grow and shine, especially after everything he gave to the franchise over the years. Doncic thought his NBA career would be entirely in Dallas, but, in a surprising twist, the most coveted player of the moment began looking for a new destination.
The trade not only surprised fans, but also left a sense of bewilderment in Dallas. Despite being the team’s star, Doncic was let go as his physicality wasn’t reliable enough to guarantee long-term success . The team, led by general manager Nico Harrison, made the difficult decision to trade their franchise player so he could join the Lakers, where he formed one of the league’s most explosive duos with LeBron James.
The change wasn’t easy for Luka, who at the time couldn’t understand the Mavericks’ decision. He considered Dallas his home, and he believed he would play his entire career there. However, doubts about his physical condition and ability to maintain a high level throughout the season ultimately outweighed his value on the court .
At a recent press conference, Dallas general manager Nico Harrison made statements that quickly sparked controversy. Harrison, referring to Doncic’s departure, said, “I knew Luka Doncic was very important to the fans. But I didn’t know exactly how important .” These words quickly went viral, sparking a debate about the relationship between the team and its former star.
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Dallas’ accusation against Doncic
The controversy escalated further when journalist Tim MacMahon revealed details about an allegation directly involving Harrison and Don Cic. According to MacMahon, Harrison and his entourage questioned the sprained wrist that sidelined Luka for a crucial period.
The indictment alleges that rather than treating the injury as legitimate, Dallas officials suspected it was an excuse to allow the Slovenian to focus on losing weight, an issue that had generated concern within the franchise.
