The Mavericks fired Nico Harrison on Tuesday, and Luka Doncic was immediately asked for his reaction after the Lakers’ defeat.
The former Mavericks star, now leading the Lakers, was asked directly how he felt about the general manager who traded him away losing his job just nine months later.
Luka Doncic focused on LA Lakers
“I consider Dallas, the fans, players — they’ll always have a special place in my heart,” he said.
“I thought I was going to stay there forever, but I didn’t. So, that will always be a special place for me, always I can call it home.
“But, right now, I’m focused on the Lakers. Trying to move on.”
A follow-up question pushed him on whether he’d ever consider playing for the Mavericks again. Doncic didn’t bite, repeating that his attention is on Los Angeles.
The Slovenian star is averaging close to 35 points a game this season, and the Lakers have opened 8–4 despite a heavy defeat to Oklahoma City.
His form contrasts sharply with the situation in Dallas, where injuries and a poor start have shaped the early narrative.
Harrison’s dismissal arrived after a 3–8 opening and renewed frustration from fans still angry about the blockbuster deal that sent Doncic to LA for Anthony Davis.
The franchise expected a fresh beginning built around a new superstar partnership, but the roster never hit the floor fully healthy.
Kendrick Perkins defends Nico Harrison
Former NBA champ Kendrick Perkins was keen to highlight that as he defended Harrison.
“In fairness to Nico, he lost his job — he didn’t get a chance to see that team on the floor fully healthy,” Perkins said.
“We still haven’t seen Kyrie Irving and AD touch the floor together in a Dallas Maverick uniform, which is unfortunate.
“But when you trade an international superstar, your room for error is very, very small. And that’s what ended up happening.”
Perkins reminded fans he supported the trade when it happened, insisting it made sense for both sides at the time.
Mavericks supporters disagreed loudly, and the “Fire Nico” chants eventually became impossible for ownership to ignore.
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