Lakers GM Rob Pelinka Shocked by Mavs Nico Harrison’s Unexpected Offer
If you were one of the countless NBA fans who thought that the Luka Doncic trade that went down late Saturday night/Sunday morning was a joke, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka thought when Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison broached the subject with him.
Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News has an excellent account of how the deal went down and what both parties were thinking, including Pelinka saying he initially thought Harrison was joking. Harrison and Pelinka had been having basketball conversations for over a month when the topic of a trade suddenly arose. This unexpected offer led to a series of back-and-forth discussions that culminated in a monumental trade deal involving Luka Doncic.
The trade has stirred controversy among fans and decision-makers across the league, as it became apparent that Harrison and the Mavericks kept this potential trade under wraps, only involving Pelinka due to their longstanding relationship. Nico Harrison, previously a Nike executive known for his work with Kobe Bryant, and Rob Pelinka, who was Kobe’s agent, share a deep connection that played a significant role in the unfolding of this unexpected trade.
Comparisons have been drawn to past controversial trades in the NBA, notably the Chris Paul trade to the Lakers in 2011 that was ultimately vetoed by the commissioner. However, the circumstances surrounding this trade differ significantly, with the league having less influence this time around. As a result, Luka Doncic is poised to become the next superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that has sparked both excitement and debate within the basketball community.
