Kendrick Perkins claim over who won Dallas Mavericks-LA Lakers trade for Luka Doncic proven horribly wrong
News November 12, 2025

Kendrick Perkins claim over who won Dallas Mavericks-LA Lakers trade for Luka Doncic proven horribly wrong

Nico Harrison was finally fired by the Dallas Mavericks. The decision to fire him seemed inevitable after Nico Harrison chose to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in what has become one of the NBA’s most criticized moves.

**Mavericks' Gamble Backfires: Lakers Trade a Nightmare for Dallas as Doncic Shines in LA**

The Dallas Mavericks have parted ways with General Manager Nico Harrison, a move widely seen as a direct consequence of a trade that sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. What was once hailed by some, including former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, as a potential win for Dallas has now become a cautionary tale of misjudged potential and the perils of trading away a generational talent.

The trade, orchestrated by Harrison, saw Doncic head to the Lakers in exchange for a package of players and draft picks. At the time, the rationale was to build a more balanced roster around another star, with the hope that the acquired assets would provide depth and flexibility. Perkins, known for his often-bold predictions, initially lauded the move, suggesting it would allow Dallas to spread the wealth and create a more competitive team overall.

However, the reality has been far different. While the players acquired haven't necessarily been busts, they haven't come close to replicating Doncic's impact. The Mavericks have struggled to find consistent offensive firepower and have missed the Slovenian sensation's playmaking abilities. The draft picks, while potentially valuable down the line, have yet to yield a player of Doncic's caliber.

Meanwhile, Doncic has thrived in Los Angeles, becoming a legitimate MVP candidate and leading the Lakers to consistent playoff contention. His scoring averages have soared, and his partnership with the Lakers' existing core has formed a formidable force in the Western Conference. The Lakers' success has only amplified the scrutiny on the Mavericks' decision-making.

The firing of Harrison underscores the immense pressure on NBA general managers to make the right calls, especially when it comes to franchise cornerstones. Trading away a player like Doncic is always a high-risk, high-reward proposition, and in this case, the gamble has clearly backfired. The Mavericks now face the daunting task of rebuilding and finding a way to recapture the magic they lost when they let Doncic go. The Lakers, on the other hand, are reaping the rewards of what now appears to be a lopsided trade, cementing Doncic's legacy as a Laker legend in the making. The Perkins' claim has been proven wrong and the Mavericks' future is now uncertain.
Category: Sports