How Nico Harrison Mishandled the Luka Doncic Trade for the Dallas Mavericks...

The Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a shocking move that has rocked the NBA. What led to this decision by the Mavs front office and how will it impact Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and the future of the franchise?
Nick Angstadt and Isaac Harris break down the bombshell Luka Doncic trade, analyzing Nico Harrison's decision-making process, Luka's conditioning concerns, and the fallout for the Dallas Mavericks organization. They discuss Patrick Dumont's role as the new owner, the departure of key staff members close to Luka, and debate whether this move could actually benefit Doncic's career long-term in Los Angeles.
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#LukaDoncic #KyrieIrving #DallasMavericks #Dallas #NBA #Mavericks #Mavs #DallasMavs #MFFL

[@TheThejoker169]

lol we hella mad 6 people waiting on a video that drops in 6 hours

[@jaylenclement]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@sffan10]

I’m not even a Mavs fan and I’m still furious.

[@mayowa11]

🤣🤣

[@NoVisionGuy]

AD never carried the Pelicans like Luka carried this Mavs team in 6 years

[@MarkShaw-ji7gq]

And now he’s an older version of

[@AaronKDub]

AD never had a kyrie Irving or the role players we have in new orleans lol and he was the reason the pelicans won when AD was there you crazy if you think it was Lonzo ball lol you wild

[@David-u2d]

​@@AaronKDubare you dumb? Luka carried that Team surrouned by bums. Kyrie and other great players came in the last 2 seasons.

[@gungadin9686]

@@AaronKDub Luka had Kyrie for a year and a half. Get real.

[@TheCalduggs]

I see why everyone is upset. Luka wanted to stay in Dallas forever, like Kobe in LA and Dirk in Dallas. Caliber player and humble, I'm a Laker fan and I'm shocked.

[@hardywoodaway9912]

there maybe 4 possible reasons: 1. Luka is severely injured with longterm effects 2. Nico/Owners wants to actively hurt the franchise 3. Nico is a Lakers double agent 4. Nico is the dumbest MF out there

[@7harrylime]

All of those things can be true.

[@JacObi-Wan-KenObi]

Regarding No 1 = would Lakers accept someone with such severe condition if it were true? No way, of course they did their due diligence and requested medical evidence Luka is not severely injured.

[@Sylv1ception71]

You forgot the number 5 : everything in this league must be done to favor the Lakers. Silver + Nico + Pelinka = CORRUPTION.

[@dscott_]

Where does nico live? We need to bring him in for questioning

[@pavlosegeda8294]

Simplest answer usually right one, so it's 4.

[@rogereb09]

They keep talking about conditioning when after he led the league in minutes played last season!!!! And he also led the playoffs in pts, reb, ast, stl and 3pm, reaching the finals with one leg against the Celtics

[@SDesWriter]

And he was at the Lakers press conference today and you could see he is THIN! Not skinny like his rookie season, but no noticeable weight anywhere. He looked like every other basketball player except he's not ripped in his arms.

[@frederickdelius1106]

Facts he doesn't look out of shape by 40 pounds or whatever bs he said. Also there is no basketball reasons to do this, none. It doesn't make sense at all.

[@KevFactor1966]

We watch sports to get away from the corruption in America and now we can't even enjoy watching the Mavs like we use to in my opinion 😕😡

[@Soccercrazyigboman]

Thank you

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

My thoughts...The NFL has been rigged to make the Chiefs win all year, our politics are a nightmare, with one of America's biggest criminals and d-bags in charge, but then one of the nicest groups of dudes who were legit favorites to make the finals, the dallas Mavericks basketball team, had their whole lives screwed over while simultaneously the whole city had its fandom crapped on in the most colossal unprecedented way possible... I've been a Mavs fan since five and I want nothing to do with this team until they sell. The amount of corruption and collusion that took place with Nico Harrison is INCREDIBLE...As Dallas sports fans this is all we had...and now were forced to watch Hockey a sport none of us grew up playing and baseball...it just would be nice if somewhere the little guy wasn't always getting done dirty and money wasn't causing people to do everyone super dirty..For a while that place was sports...but not here in Dallas anymore

[@stephenpham803]

This is exactly what I’m thinking. Thank you.

[@commonsense3921]

Trump won, He was suppose to solve everything.

[@genevieveo7696]

For real, Mavericks basketball was my refuge!

[@DjJohnnyTheripper]

Luka should have gone to that conference when Niko was talking and say: if you don't believe you shouldn't be here!

[@mikew101]

Cuban needs to sue the majority owners saying that they did not do due diligence on the trade and it impacts his ownership (which it does) the team is definitely worth less today than it was last week.

[@wd5637]

He sold to genocidal zionists and screwed the franchise forever. He'll lose money but mavs fans will never recover from this

[@TheCalduggs]

Hearing Luka speak for the first time about loyalty and shocked about the trade. I can't believe he was traded. Dude is humble and a baller, like just a good person.

[@TheCalduggs]

Laker fan here btw

[@cognitivedisability9864]

@@TheCalduggs Yeah thank you for seeing it, but the best part of luka, this dude got that black mamba energy, just wait until he goes full villain with the lakers now.

[@SDesWriter]

I saw a video today from a national media member that speculated he temporarily sold the Mavs to the Adlesons so they could handle the spending for a couple years and promote their casino business (and try to push gambling in Austin). Since they don't care about basketball, they'll eventually sell controlling interest back to Cuban and he can come in like a hero to "save" the team. If true, he's just as bad as they are.

[@VVVY777]

It was also personal with Nico Harrison. The moment he got the job, he started getting rid of the people close to Luka. Look it up. Nico wanted the relationship with Luka like the one he had with Kobe. Luka wasn't having this weasely snake. Nico couldn't control Luka. Nico should've effin resigned instead of go on this power trip and ruin the entire franchise and money Luka earned.

[@jwill5984]

lebron is coming to Dallas June 29 … it was planned. Nico is a POS and so is Kidd and Ky. You’ll see

[@alanberg5575]

I agree with you. And the pain I'm feeling with all this has yet to ease. It still seems like a bad dream.

[@Joeshiesty286]

@@alanberg5575worst part is that Luka will be great for a long time and it will be for the lakers of all teams. Oh and we didn’t get shit back for him and got really old. Sucks..

[@natecruz7114]

DEI ass hire is what Nico was and is.

[@beastscale1892]

Now we believing all the tabloid rumors being released now as PR spins for both sides. Get real. I don't like the trade but you can't trust the sports journalism at this moment as they are just trying to push this news week. One report says Nico got rid of basically a nutritional/weight/injury management watching team for Luka. Another Report says Nico gave Luka an 11 day excused absence at the end of November when he missed time for a "wrist injury" in order to shed 30 pounds off his weight after coming into camp around 260-270 in weight.

[@hermannkaimann9525]

I´m a Locked On Mavs Fan For Life LO-MFFL, just gonna see your podcast no more games

[@SonGokouSSJ]

this pre show music kills me everytime, and after that trade, its even more depressing rn

[@michaelmoore9518]

Lmao I always skip the music too

[@5wisher5weet]

Just have a recovery beer

[@pinopetric2425]

Do you want to know the real reason? Basically everybody that took care of Luka before arrival of Nico was fired. Guys from Slovenia and also from Real Madrid. Luka took them on his own payroll, so front office had no impact on Luka. This was treated as disrespecful, as they wanted to do their own trening program with him. After calf injiry there was a major clash betwwen front ofifice and Luka. The recovery was done by Luka's team. The front office was dictate the recovery process but Luka has trusted his own team. This was a huge blow to Nico's ego, so he decided to trade him. There you have it.

[@beastscale1892]

Now tell the part of Luka not resting his legs in the summer and choosing to risk his body playing ball with Slovenia despite it knowing it went against his employers interest. Luka's lack of conditioning holds blame too

[@TheRoadLessChosen]

@@beastscale1892stop it. You still don’t trade a super star of this caliber and not get anything back. You’re a clown if you think they got back an equal return.

[@beastscale1892]

@@TheRoadLessChosen If the Owners sees an athlete not taking care of his body and now that he's older and racking up injuries then why should they keep him? You can be mad all you want but Luka if he really was sound about his business wouldn't risk his body in the summer after obviously being injured knowing the team has new brass who might not put up with that. Then they see his conditioning being bad to leave to these leg injuries that doesn't just happen at random but because of his poor body management. Namely too much weight on his legs. Why would the Owners give 350 million of their dollars to a player who isn't serious about his body. Ask yourself that. I hate the trade but Luka holds blame here too.

[@pinopetric2425]

@@beastscale1892 Nico is that you?

[@beastscale1892]

@@pinopetric2425 No just not crying for a millionaire athlete who is 25 and had no reason to just play 22 games which strained the lineups. Where is the accountability for BOTH parties here?

[@tylerkraft199]

Hi Nick, can you please address the fact that the bill to pass online sports betting and loosen gambling restrictions in Texas failed to pass a month ago which is also when trade talks allegedly started? This is a power move from the Adelsons to show Texas that if they don't allow them to do what they want (building the casino/resort they want with the mavs stadium at the center) that they will ruin the franchise and relocate. We the fans are stuck in the middle of a billionaire's game. They ripped our hearts out man. It just hurts so bad.

[@alanberg5575]

That's how I'm starting to see it.

[@klefusmcdonald2644]

To acknowledge such claim's would be to his detriment. He would never dare.

[@thinkingaboutbeanz]

I'm not opposed to looking at shady reasons behind the scenes, but I don't think think this theory has the right weight to it. The Texas legislators are the ones who failed to pass the bill. Texas legislators are a bunch of rich, part time politicians throughout Texas. Mavericks are one of three NBA teams, and just 1 of 8 of the major sports teams in Texas, not even near the biggest. Cowboys, Texans, Astros, Rangers, ect all have more weight to the economy of TX, and even then its not much.

[@faervas1234]

@@klefusmcdonald2644 No it is not because the Adelsons have made it know they are not interested in Sports. They are interested in building the first casino in Texas. They just bought the Mavs to looks it like they are interested in development beyond just gambling. The day they announced the purchase half the video was about getting Texas to pass the law so they came build the casino. These are facts and the state has shown no interest in passing the bill. The 3 big players in this deal are the Lakers, The NBA and the Adelsons. With this deal they all get what they need. The Lakers have a future, the NBA think this will get a rating boost and the Adelsons have leverage in Texas politics to get the bill past. Texas border states all have legalized pot. Yet Texas have shown no sign of even passing a bill for medical use. Texas is always a problem with legalizing vices. As long as the Mavs are doing well the worst it is for the owners to have an excuse to get approval to move the team to Las Vegas. These are valid speculation for the motivation on why this deal is so bad. If you are going to trade Luka why take the worst deal and to keep the Jazz out of the loop of who was going to be in the trade. They didn't want the deal to blow up in a bidding war. Luka getting off Jet he doesn't look 270, and the check to okay him to play 2 Sat ago was sus. He was on the side line and looked like he just needed to play to get into playing shape. They are throwing Luka under the bus to make it like there is a rational for the Mavs to trade him. Luka bought a 15 million dollar house about 2 weeks ago. No one gave him a heads up this is possible because it would put a fire under his feet to get to standards. The level of betrayal is Epics.

[@tylerkraft199]

@ mavericks, with the international support that luka brought, were the 4th largest market in the nba last year. This undoubtedly hemorrhages cash from Dallas

[@zrewsworld]

No longer a mavs fan, but this locked on mavs is soooo much better than locked on lakers

[@michaelmoore9518]

Locked on mav podcast and fans feels like the bros/ family.

[@supersik440]

I have given up with mavs too...but still watching this because I'm getting used to

[@kimersv]

By far

[@luisbernal7689]

They had to do it in the dark without alerting anybody cause any leak would have mobilized the Mavs fan base and Nico wouldn’t had been able to do it. He didn’t care about getting the best package, he was worried about getting it done at all and getting AD.

[@hardywoodaway9912]

this makes no sense at all

[@thelochnessmonster.350]

​@@hardywoodaway9912 It really doesn't, but unfortunately, it's the truth.

[@DominikMusiol]

This was not about getting AD. This was about the Adelsons putting pressure on the Texas legislature for their casino business, and making the Lakers relevant again. Nico Harrison is not this stupid. EDIT: Nico “Brutus” Harrison

[@viktorbaraga4514]

@@DominikMusiol not stupid,but corupt and with lack of confidence plus his hatred for Luka have taken over logic.

[@drexelrep]

Not even a mavs fan, i jus been hitting every mavs podcast abt this to try and make sense of it

[@kimersv]

Tell me abt it

[@Crawleyman]

Is it crazy that I'm only supporting Mav Podcaster and KZbinr and not the team?

[@Soccercrazyigboman]

Nope. Not crazy at all. The people I don't get is the people rooting for the Lakers now. I can't even stomach watching Luka in another uniform

[@zj8478]

@@Soccercrazyigbomansounds good. But you’ll be watching the lakers too. Lol think about it, yall didn’t even see Luka get to super sayian prime Luka yet. AND he’s pissed yall didn’t give him the super max 😭

[@mattsonneborn2069]

Same

[@FreeOfAllFear]

No I am too cause they helped me when I was super depressed doesn’t mean I give up on locked on and slightly they didn’t deserve this either

[@Soccercrazyigboman]

@@zj8478 You don't understand. I've always hated the Lakers and the special treatment the NBA gives them. And now my favorite player of my favorite team is taken by them. Do you understand how sick angry and depressed I am about it. The only time I might watch him is his first game against us. And that's to see if Nico is present and see if Luka absolutely fucks up the team. But that's it. And that's a maybe. I can't even watch his presser without feeling sick

[@violoncelo1000]

I'm not a Mavs fan, and this got me depressed.... wanna know why ? Because now i'm 100% sure, the game i used to love, it's completely rigged... The shine in my eyes, gone... Watching this, was too sad to me..

[@antun88]

Absolutely. I'm suprised how many people are avoiding to state the obvious.

[@viktorbaraga4514]

@@antun88 slowly but surely people will shake off the fear and will stand tall.

[@ShadowBeast-j7h]

Nico should be declared persona non grata in the city of dallas.

[@mikielsahagun6054]

That excuse is up there with "my dog ate my homework "

[@zj8478]

Mavs drafted a player that scored 73pt in a game and Nico asks if ad is available 😆

[@michaelmoore9518]

Lmaoo

[@PrinzPiefke]

They did not draft Luka

[@spooky-mulder]

Nico does not call the shots. This was the owners; the adelsons. Yall aren't critical thinkers OR deliberately promoting the smoke screen. Nonetheless, Kyrie leaves this off-season, AD sidelined, Mavs owner rancid adelson has them tank since her fraud/bribes aren't working to legalize casino gambling then tels TX legisl in '27 that the team is not financially viable in TX then relocates franchise to vegas.

[@jimcoldiron8563]

Luka needs to get himself a really good attorney and sue the hell out of Nico, the Mavs organization and the national media ( especially ESPN ) for slander and defamation of character for the BS that is being said/leaked by them. Luka has been nothing but a humble team first loyal superstar. To be treated like this is unfair and unacceptable.

[@tjt2383]

They're just trying to make it look more realistic and less preposterous.

[@reneebeaumier5505]

And not letting him know in the middle of a major real estate transaction. I would sue..

[@Iliketostitos]

What specifically is being said that is worthy of financial reimbursement?

[@jimcoldiron8563]

@@Iliketostitos I’m no attorney but I would think some of the narrative about his so called lack of conditioning, weight gain, negative comments in general that speak to his lack of character.

[@johnmargritz4816]

When I said Mavs Fan For Life, I assumed they would be the Mavs for life.

[@curiosaf8560]

Mavs Fk’n Failed Luka

[@RetrospectsToo]

LFFL

[@Tyeger2013]

Well-said. Nico is not representative of the Mavs I grew up loving

[@ferdzo250]

Say it like it is! Nico must have HATED Luka so much.. he was smirking and laughing while saying all this and he truly is the only one happy trading him. He is legit happy about this. So fckin sad.

[@commonsense3921]

Luka told him he doesn’t matter 🤣

[@LukaDoncicx77]

Nico couldn't say "its a hard moment" because he genuinely despises Luka.

[@brandonssn26]

"I need a recovery beer" is funny to hear right now

[@LukaDoncicx77]

I'll miss watching you nick. I'll be able to see slightly in his streams every now and then but you were the soul of locked on. The 2 brothers at locked on LA seem cool too

[@tylercastanedaiii5651]

The K brothers are so so. There are better ones: Laker Nation by Trevor Lane also Jovan Buha but my favorite is Hoops tonight by Tiempf ( best x & o guy). You can also join our Laker Nation playback the best & the biggest group. Let me know if you have any questions mate. Welcome to Los Angeles Lukers 💜💛

[@LukaDoncicx77]

@tylercastanedaiii5651 I've recently just got into the show by Allen Sliwa

[@LukaDoncicx77]

@tylercastanedaiii5651 ill check out both those shows. I've only just gotten into Allen Sliwa's show too it's pretty cool

[@tylercastanedaiii5651]

@@LukaDoncicx77 Sliwas so so just like they K bros. Those are actually 3 shows not 2. FYI Luka's Lakers press conference starts in 3 mins am actually waiting for it even though it's 1am here 💜💛

[@LukaDoncicx77]

@tylercastanedaiii5651 I'm waiting FOR Laker KZbin to go live rn ifs 5pm here

[@shotsofpadron]

I get all the hate for Nico, I really do. But why is no one holding the owners more accountable too? Especially considering they’re likely the ones who were actually behind this whole thing (for their selfish casino reasons).

[@tjt2383]

Because he's the fall guy.

[@shotsofpadron]

@ exactly. I feel like he’s the scapegoat and everybody is just eating it up

[@americanafilm]

Nico is more visible plus to be honest he has made some great moves so just is just shocking.

[@lunae5600]

It just proves how big headed Nico got. He really thought he did enough with previous players to justify this trade. He did not Luka is a bigger part of the organization then Nico will ever be

[@TheDurgh202]

Kidd's "energy" + Nico's demeanor + Fan Backlash = A quick road to a Vegas relocation

[@EvilXtianity]

The NBA will help the Adelson's move Mavs to Las Vegas in exchange for giving their marquee franchise a new face for the next ten years.

[@commonsense3921]

LAS VEGAS MAVS!!

[@TheRoadLessChosen]

@@EvilXtianitythat’s it. That’s the connection to Silver.

[@Jags2Riches]

You forgot beforehand the scorpion actually says why would I sting you? That means we would both drown. He ends up, stinging him ultimately because it’s his nature.

[@kickz_n_fitz2795]

It was done for business purposes. It doesn’t matter that us as fans disagree with it. Like D Wade said “it’s billionaire business”. Unfortunately fans aren’t in those rooms 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Nuanceishard]

Crazy I’m still watching, this made me a Lakers fan after 33 years of cheering for the Mavericks, Shawn Bradley is my favorite NBA player FFS like im crushed.

[@Makata0714]

Vlade Divac looks more like a saint for not drafting Luka. The magnitude of what Nico did will never ever be forgiven.

[@Joeshiesty286]

To say the least

[@perlalopez1313]

This sucks so bad! I have no words to describe this! I’m really going to miss you 2 and Slightly. I loved tuning in after games. Right now I cannot watch the Mavs.

[@SDesWriter]

It's actually pretty fun to watch them lose. I feel bad for the players I like, but not for Davis, Martin, and Christie. Don't dislike them, don't care.

[@neo-mp4hf]

Luka is the face of the league and who ever controls the league made this happen. There needs to be an investigation. The owners of the mavs have 35 billion dollars. It wasn't money or conditioning.

[@iShootFast]

Lukas conditioning was so damn bad - he drug your undermanned team to the finals and lead the league in scoring and throwing up 20+ triple doubles. Dwight Powell is the most conditioned guy on the team. Hows he doing for ya? Nico destroyed a franchise and fan base for his buddies on the Lakers.

[@richardcase9165]

can we have a shrink make sure Nico isn't mentally ill that would undo the trade anyone know a good one lol

[@AaronKDub]

I don't think he is like all the moves he has made up until this 1 have done the team well not saying i agree with trading luka at all was smart but they gotta know something we don't cause you don't trade him imo but I do understand why it happend with the stuff we do know and not saying its a good excuse to trade him thats why I say there has to be some other little things besides what's being said you would think anyways

[@alanberg5575]

He might not be mentally ill. But he definitely is corrupt!!

[@viktorbaraga4514]

@ GM's hatred for Luka from day 1 and Owners ambitions for Texas to make gambling legal

[@alanberg5575]

@AaronKDub The fact that the Mavs only approached ONE team on dealing Luka, and did it in the manner they did, should show that something REALLY smells in all this! Extremely shady! AND they ripped the heart out of those of us who love Luka!

[@AaronKDub]

@alanberg5575 oh I agree trust me i don't like it at all luka is Dallas and was dallas and very unfair for luka as far as being taken away from his home away from away and money part but I do agree with his conditioning and coming in shape is a bad look and if that was the cause for injuries and mins played then and antics with the refs then he needs to change that and luka will be even better I think he will be fine regardless but I think van be even better which is crazy if he changes those things and plays a little more defense

[@Lena-ks5ni]

You'll make me cry..again! What a puckin' time forLuka's fans and friends...

[@roneteus]

I'm pretty sure this is how Anne Hathaway's character felt in Les Miserables.

[@BelieveInYourself90s]

Who would’ve thought Luka needed a no trade clause

[@JessieG16]

Ok I’m tired of being upset about this. I really hate this so much I really don’t think I’m a Mavs fan anymore… this trade is so weird! It’s all going down.

[@Thisisrance]

Thoughts and prayers to the realtor that had a 15million dollar deal fall apart because of the craziest trade in sports history 😂

[@19nzinga]

And they’re talking about Luka’s conditioning is crazy. It’s not like he was as bad Zion! That’s so stupid!! I hate them!!!

[@MrTmac2023]

to see a man say in public, "the future to me is 4 years, ill be buried here by 10" really shows how bad of state the nba is in right now. I honestly dont see it changing until this commissioner is fired + lebum retires. Klutch sports should also be investigated.

[@americanafilm]

What’s crazy is Luka and the Mavs were made for each other. Look at our history with Dirk.

[@kennethhonkomp5636]

I have been a lifelong Mavs fan. It has always been the team who values its star player and has the small town got your back feel. This move is NOT the culture that has made it a great and reputable franchise. One thing other players could always acknowledge was how we did well by the payers. This didn't just break the trust of the players, but ALL the fans now feel that we are a part of a gross and greasy organization that prioritizes a quick win over the name Mavericks. Sad to see the organization sell out, and you didn't even get 30 silver pieces for the betrayal.

[@curiosaf8560]

You should do a separate “locked on Luka” so those of us done with the Mavs can still support you.

[@hktz1]

An alternative bit people add to the story is "the scorpion stings the frog and the frog goes 'what did you just do, we're both going to die now', and the scorpion says 'what do you expect? I'm a scorpion', just moments after denying he was going to sting the frog."

[@lunae5600]

never take luka out of your entry , he will be absolutely one of the biggest parts of mavs and Dallas history

[@sj4632]

FBI should investigate this trade. Something smells…

[@Marksman18]

I like how you left "I need a recovery beer" in the intro. 😂

[@zlatanbasic5276]

Gave up on mavs,but havent gave up on you guys

[@drjupidujupidutv9510]

dear dallas fans........ its not about just game...luka is more than game..in my bad days in life luka hl makes me happy at mourning in croatia. now i am lakers fan...............

[@cosovic14]

I'll never understand this move. The Adelson Family Gambling agenda seems most plausible but I'm not certain. If Nico actually did this for basketball reasons .......

[@DominikMusiol]

Your naïveté is adorable, Nick. The owners drove this trade to happen. Nico is being a “good boy” on their behalf. Conspiracies are very real and happen quite often in business.

[@19nzinga]

Mavs set impossible expectations on Luka for the SuperMax in his contract and when he actually met them they didn’t want to pay him what he’s owed. That’s weak! Why would any player trust us after that?! I hate Nico & the new owners.

[@7harrylime]

Do the Mavs have minority owners (share-wise) who can sue for breach of fiduciary duty?

[@Tyeger2013]

This article taught me that Nico wouldn’t trade for Jokic lol

[@alessimunic]

Everybody trying to figure out, how to replace Luka's points and assists, but that is not the correct question. They should be asking, how to replace Luka's usage rate. 35-40% every single night. For 100 games a year. Kyrie? He was struggling with amount of work he had to do with Luka on the team. Are people forgetting opponents best defenders matching minutes and substitutions with Luka, so they could play defence on him the whole game? Often 2,3 best players were exchanged for the entire game, all of them "dying" in the proccess. Who are these defenders gonna guard now? Who are "Dorts" of the league gonna guard now you think? Who will get all the double teams? Do people really expect Kyrie carrying all the load for the entire season? Good luck with that. They will run him into the ground.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

The usage rate was the problem. Why would they want to replace that?

[@RetrospectsToo]

Instead of doing a DNP - Fat on Luka just let him play himself into shape like he always does. He’s still 25+ points a night.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

Because he was injured and tired by the time the season was over.

[@friendlyjingle1]

“Our efforts to bring destination resorts to Texas took an extraordinary step forward with the vote in the Texas House of Representatives,” Abboud said. “Although it narrowly fell short of the two-thirds threshold of support required for a constitutional amendment, there is no question that our efforts are on the right track.” It is about the Addelsons holding a gun to Texas to legalize gambling, or they will move the team to Vegas.. Some smart attorney for the Adelsons called Adam Silver and said you need a star in LA and we need them to legalize gambling in Texas. You guarantee us we can move the team to Vegas if Texas doesn't pass gambling....and we will get you that star in LA to save basketball. Then, as soon as everyone hates the Mavericks, the Addelsons sell the team back to Mark Cuban...who has no baggage...to save the day. Everyone makes money. Mavericks fans have to suck it up for 6 years. . That is what happened. Kind of like Micheal Corleone telling Moe Green that he wants to buy the Casino...

[@morriscastillo9587]

Hey Nick, don't be surprised if Locked on Lakers now lead all locked on channels.

[@lunae5600]

“ Crippling “ he didn’t realize how devastating this would be to mavs fans

[@johnbavender9775]

Luka's conditioning is just an excuse period. This is about the ownership of the Mavericks trying to force Texas to allow them to build a casino resort around a new Mavericks stadium. That is their business, and they really do not care about a basketball team let alone winning a championship. They are in the business of making money and really did not want to pay Luka the max contract this summer of 350 million. The ownership is going to threaten to move the team to Las Vegas if they do not get a law change in Texas to allow a casino resort in Dallas. Nico Harrison was forced to trade Luka because there was no max contract extension so, he did the best he could to get Luka to a team that will support his desire to win a championship. That is why Nico made the comment that he did not know if he and Kidd would be in the organization in five years from now.

[@TheRoadLessChosen]

Then why not come out and say it. He’s already rich. He could’ve found another GM spot if he was that blatantly honest. Guaranteed.

[@MicrosoftWest]

What if truly his conditioning was a detriment more than we think? Yes, he put up numbers but those consistent blow byes in the Finals was extremely hard to watch. They just started picking on him and it hurt our D as a whole. I haven’t seen any improvement this season. Still this trade sucks but maybe, just maybe it was worst than we thought.

[@MicrosoftWest]

@@TheRoadLessChosen Unpopular opinion: They didn’t want to tell the public of his main issues in order to not tarnish who he is as a player….again, I HATE this trade but there was a reason Finley took that beer from him in the WCF last year. Ijs.

[@KeltonAlexander]

In the version of frog and scorpion story I know, the scorpion doesn't drown. And he tells the frog once they get to shore, "I'm a scorpion. That's what I do."

[@ConfusedClarity]

Isaac is right Luka to LA has all the ingredients of a Hollywood blockbuster! It's up to Him to make it happen.

[@expertmike7695]

I never thought ide be tunning into locked on Mavs everyday.

[@RMASUPERFLY]

Got a feeling someone in Dallas will punch Nico in the face.

[@kaospat4173]

So I just wanted to thank u guys for keeping me informed about the Mavs...but actually Iwas a Fan because of Dirk and then I hoped for the Mavs drafting Luka...I kinda knew GM's would pass on Luka and the Mavs would get him...I even stayed up till 3 in the Morning to watch the draft and when we drafted him it was one of the best moments in my life as a Basketball Fan.... but now I just completely lost the connection to the Team and will now support the Orlando Magic ....So long Guys

[@NickCook-kd2cv]

We loved Luka here brother and the team I supported for 20 years has lost me too because of it. I hope Luka wipes the floor with this team

[@jimibify]

I think Adam Silver promised the Adelsons they could move the team to Vegas in return for giving the NBA's flagship team a new star for the future. I wouldn't be surprised if the Mavs missed the playoffs and some Ping pong Ball magic put Cooper Flagg on the Mavs.

[@tjt2383]

I wouldn't be surprised if Flagg ended up on the Lakers 😆. The Adelsons don't care about basketball even a little, they are just working on getting leverage to open up the gambling market in Texas. To them it's just part of their portfolio and with taxpayer-subsidized stadiums and league profit-sharing it doesn't really matter in the long run if the team is garbage or not, it will still appreciate substantially. Now if they actually liked basketball I could see the scheme involving a reward like Flagg but they strike me as an under the luxury tax no matter what type of ownership group over a winning group.

[@seanvoss7054]

Im still trying to wrap my head around the Scorpion and the Frog analogy.... My brain is in a pretzel.

[@164hozey]

In a perfect world Luka plays the mavs in the western conference he blows us out and we all wear lakers jersey

[@ortros1]

The biggest paradox here is that Luka got traded because of his loyalty. And Nico's ego destroyed one of (if not) the most blossoming franchises in the NBA. He let his ego destroy so many good things he's otherwise been doing in Dallas. It's a real shame.

[@travismurray7403]

Why would you blame a coach who is in the HOF for not being able to make luka lose weight? It dosent matter who it is,if luka dosent want to drop the weight then he won't drop it

[@m9ch15l]

Maybe im late but i just found out that nico had a huge history with lakers legend kobe n gm rob.. going as far as 20years ago.. is it fair to say that hes more of a laker than a mav? He really traded luka like he was kp...

[@TheRoadLessChosen]

Yes. That is part of it. Many angles to this.

[@John.Angell]

Nick I feel badly for you and the Locked on crew. I discovered you guys about 2 years ago and have been listening regularly, I just can't do it anymore with this douchebag in charge of the team. For the first time since 1990 I want no part in the Mavericks. I hope your viewership doesn't suffer, you guys are awesome.

[@frederickdelius1106]

He can get in touch with people that will be able to "help" him stay in shape if he wants to go that route.

[@beastscale1892]

I don't like the trade but Mavs fans and especially Luka fans have to understand one thing. Luka isn't blameless here and nor is he a victim. The NBA been a business from the start. You can't afford to not be aware in this league. Luka chose this summer to play Slovenian ball after clearly being injured in the finals and refused to rest and train his body in the gym. Nico noticed this but more importantly the Mavs new management noticed this. You can't put your body at risk knowing your employer needs you healthy and top shape for the new season. Luka wasn't. Not long into training camp he had to miss all of preseason with a "calf contusion." You think Nico and the New Mavs management didn't take notice to that? Then he goes and only plays 22 games while having mysterious labels of wrist injuries, Thighs, foot issues, until the calf strain happens on Christmas that was a non-contact injury. If Luka was playing from the start of this season consistently with no time missed as a 25 year old then no way he gets traded. If he would've rest in the Off-season/trained it could've help prevent these injuries. He had no excuse not to as he has a 350 million dollar extension coming but instead cost himself money by not being in shape. The Adelsons sign the checks so they have the right to decide who they want to pay. Luka however squandered the opportunity. Marc Cuban enabled Luka's summer ball but the New Owners are not him and they weren't going to cosign either.

[@AaronKDub]

Finally someone understands me

[@AaronKDub]

Still don't like the trade but I figured this would get in the way eventually

[@upfulsoul826]

The Adelsons have a net worth of $32.4bn. Money can't be the issue. They would sell a lot of his jerseys etc. Maybe he didn't take his rehab seriously after the calf contusion. Nico mentioned he had been negotiating a deal for a month and Luka got injured 39 days before he was traded.

[@beastscale1892]

@upfulsoul826 Yes it is especially with the luxury tax. Giving 350 million to a player not only squeezes the Cap badly due to this new CBA but its for a player who isn't in shape, only plays 1 side of ball which is offense, and is playing dangerously with his leg injuries to the point he can't even jump anymore.

[@heatsbeat7504]

I really love Luka but i so much hate LA. I can never switch to LA.

[@curiosaf8560]

That’s my issue as well

[@Honneylemz]

Remember how Dallas will now have 'a seat at the table'? Think about how free agents would feel when Dallas approaches them in free agency after they traded Luka behind his back and costed him 120 mil.

[@kaospat4173]

has Mark spoken on this yet?

[@AshK3tchup]

I don't know if I will ever watch basketball again. I am so hurt by this, I just have to get this pain off my chest. This is the worst I've felt as a sports fan in my entire life, and my football club (I'm from the UK) Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League twice in my lifetime, mismanaged my multiple owners, but somehow it comes no where near close to this. Luka was our boy. He was our joy to watch. In a world that is falling apart, watching Luka for Dallas gave me some fun, hope, and adventure. Now that's gone, because of a fundamentally unfair decision that was totally unaccountable. Nico's defence doesn't matter to me. I don't care about winning a title if it's not with Luka. I don't want some jaded 30+ year mercenaries who conform to Nico's idea of 'culture'. AD is not Dallas. Luka was. The fact that nothing can undo this is awful. Every day waking up to this reality is so brutal. Even Luka looked bereft at the press conference. It wasn't meant to be like this. It feels like we are truly in the darkest timeline now. I don't know how you come back from this as a fan, as a franchise, as a community. This is defeat.

[@upfulsoul826]

You guys can do LockedOnLuka segments and still follow his career. The ownership was happy to let him go too. We'll see if Nico ends up being right. Luka is super-talented but he doesn't have the mamba mentality. Core Principles of Mamba Mentality: 1. Passion - Loving what you do and committing fully. 2. Obsession - Always looking for ways to get better. 3. Relentless Effort - Never giving up, even in the face of challenges. 4. Resilience - Bouncing back from failures and setbacks. 5. Fearlessness - Not being afraid to take risks and perform under pressure. He's weak in point 1 which is probably the easiest principle.

[@tyh3311]

I wish the best for Luka.

[@leonsalazar4681]

Do we really believe this was just Rob and Nico? I feel like the league needed international numbers and feared this international league kicking up. They moved the biggest international star to the biggest basketball market team the league has.

[@dolphini70]

If the internal decision was made not wanting to pay Luka the 345m + , a trade was the best option. I love AD , still there should at least have been a couple more picks added.

[@iswish_41]

26:27 you couldn’t be more wrong with this argument. You really believe the Lakers are going to struggle assembling a team around Luka? LA is not Dallas, people actually want to play there. Dallas was and is incapable of attracting free agents, LA doesn’t have that problem. Even with no state income tax people didn’t want to play in Dallas.

[@michaelpickering1039]

I hope Luka now signs with Denver when his contract runs out. He would need to sign the player option 2026/27, but things line up in 2027/28 season.

[@wallacedunwoody6946]

Also, fake Luka calling for Jan 6 on Nico Feinstein was a Gordon Keith masterpiece

[@vs6911-1]

We love Nico and we trust him. MFFL

[@jinjitsu4350]

Rob pelinka has to be up there now next to Danny Ainge in terms of greatest GM. He pulled one of the greatest finessed of all time

[@spooky-mulder]

Kyrie leaves this off-season, AD sidelined, Mavs owner rancid adelson has them tank since her fraud/bribes aren't working to legalize casino gambling then tels TX legisl in '27 that the team is not financially viable in TX then relocates franchise to vegas.

[@WHITEPERSUAS1ON]

Im legit thinking there is no way Nico did this trade on his own will. The owners HAD to of made him do it. In the press conference, he did not look particularly happy either

[@BenB_CO]

Imagine if the Nuggets would’ve traded Joker when he was drinking a two liter of soda every day while constantly arguing with the refs his first year

[@deweyfaulhaber5480]

We need a Locked On Luka show.....

[@skoflek]

Goodbye Locked on Mavericks, it was a nice ride while it lasted.

[@mariussolerbach]

I hope Nico's wife leave him and take his kids.

[@rokvrebec5869]

We also know this story in Slovenia. But it ends like this: and then the Frog asks the Scorpion, why did you sting me? And the scorpion replies, I couldn't help it, that's my nature.

[@Joe_Ma99]

Nico Harrison legit thought he was more important to this teams success than Luka. I can’t believe mark sold the team to ppl that don’t care about the team or basketball. It enabled Nico to have too much power too fast and he become drunk on that power.