Real Reason Mavericks Traded Luka Doncic To Lakers Emerges
Real Reason Mavericks Traded Luka Doncic To Lakers Emerges
The Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA world by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. General Manager Nico Harrison faced immediate criticism for the decision to move the franchise cornerstone.
Former Mavericks executive Haralabos Voulgaris revealed internal dynamics during Doncic’s tenure. The organization experienced tension, with most staff members treading carefully around their star player.
“He doesn’t take his conditioning seriously, he doesn’t take his diet seriously,” Voulgaris said. “This is all true… Every person who worked at the Mavericks, except for me, was terrified of this guy and either wanted to kiss his a** while he was there so they could secure their future,”
That said, Voulgaris didn’t like some of the criticism that came Doncic’s way from the Mavericks’ new ownership.
“The people who were critiquing him had no business. Those people have not accomplished anything,” he said.
“Who are they to be talking about what it takes to win? That’s the part that I found really offensive… You inherited a pretty good roster, generational superstars. Have a little bit more humility in knowing what it takes to win. Nico is in a tough position so I can empathize with him.
“But the owner, this guy is like the definition of… He married into money. This guy does not look like he’s ever denied himself the luxury of an extra meal. So for him to talk about what it takes to win and to reference Shaq as the ultimate example is just so tone-deaf. Obviously, you managed to marry into this amazing family that has a lot of money. Great, congratulations.”
The Mavericks’ front office made several personnel changes before the trade. Multiple staff members who had positive relationships with Doncic were dismissed, signaling a shift in organizational direction.
Anthony Davis came to Dallas as part of the trade package. This move represented a dramatic pivot from building around Doncic as the team’s central figure.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
