Latest news with #Mavericks-Lakers
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
ESPN reporter hints at drama between ‘turned off' Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks in Luka Doncic fallout
Dirk Nowitzki; Nico Harrison; Luka Doncic The fallout from Mavericks GM Nico Harrison's decision to trade away superstar Luka Doncic has created a rift with franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. During an appearance on ESPN's 'The Hoop Collective' podcast on Wednesday, MacMahon explained that Nowitzki, as well as Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban, are distancing themselves from the organization following Harrison's comments at the invite-only media roundtable held Tuesday in Dallas . Advertisement 'First of all, Dirk is completely turned off by this franchise,' MacMahon, who attended the press conference, said. '… I asked, 'Hey, why not seek Dirk's input? Why not seek [Mark] Cuban's input? Dirk Nowitzki attends day four of the 2025 Dallas Open at The Ford Center at The Star on February 6, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. Getty Images 'He basically said, 'If they're not in the building, they don't know what's going on.' 'Stay tuned for the reason Dirk's not in the building and the reason Cuban's not in the building. Because Nico made sure he got his butt kicked out of basketball operations once that trade went through.' Cuban sold a majority stake in the Mavericks in Nov. 2023. Last June, MacMahon reported that Cuban no longer had control of basketball operations and that his role was diminished. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a basket during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images Cuban, who has a close relationship with Doncic and Nowitzki, is a regular at Mavericks games. Advertisement Nowitzki recently attended the Mavericks-Lakers game — Doncic's first game in Dallas since the trade — on April 9. The Lakers beat the Mavericks 112-97. Disgruntled Mavericks fans have publicly expressed their disappointment in Harrison's decision to trade away All-NBA guard Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis in February. It came just one season after Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals and was playing at a MVP level. Nico Harrison, center rear, the Dallas Mavericks general manager watches the team play against the Toronto Raptors in the second half of a game in Dallas, Friday, April 11, 2025. AP A sign on a truck near American Airlines Center said to fire general manager Nico Harrison or sell the team before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Dallas, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. AP Following the blockbuster, which Doncic and Davis said they were blindsided by, Mavericks fans booed Harrison at games and petitioned for him to be fired. 'This thing is dark in Dallas and it's only going to get worse,' MacMahon said. Advertisement During Tuesday's press conference, Harrison reiterated his stance that defense wins championships and said he has no regrets about the Doncic trade. 'My obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks, it's what's the best interest of the Dallas Mavericks, and that's the most important thing,' Harrison said. 'Some of those decisions are going to be unpopular maybe to Dirk and maybe to the fans, but my obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks.' Taking to X, Cuban defended Nowitzki and the Mavericks' fan base ahead of the team's NBA play-in tournament game against the Kings on Wednesday. Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban looks on during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center on April 11, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect 'Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks,' Cuban wrote. 'Then, now and forever. No one should ever forget that. That statue will be here forever. Loyalty never fades away. Advertisement '… I am a Mavs fan. I will always love and cheer for everyone who puts on our uniform. Tomorrow night and how ever many games we have left this season and in every future season, whether I'm in the stands, in front of the TV, or following every play online, my heart and soul is committed to rooting for the Mavs to win. 'That will never change. I know fans are upset. But don't be upset at the players. Support them. Root for them. Rally behind them.' Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki of Germany holds a key to the city after receiving it from Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings at halftime during a game against the Nets at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, in November 21, 2018. EPA The Mavericks will play the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday for a spot in the playoffs after Dallas beat the Kings, 120-106.
USA Today
09-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Is Nico Harrison at Luka Doncic's return? 'Fire Nico' chants, mural explained
Is Nico Harrison at Luka Doncic's return? 'Fire Nico' chants, mural explained Show Caption Hide Caption How real are the Lakers as NBA title contenders? The Lakers have been on a roll since trading for Luka Doncic, but are they good enough to win a championship? Luka Doncic is back in Dallas at the American Airlines Center, but this time he will be in the visiting locker room after he was blindsided and traded away from the Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 2. The Mavericks are set to host the Lakers on Wednesday, marking Doncic's first game against his former team in Dallas. Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris were sent to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick ahead of the trade deadline. The blockbuster deal was spearheaded by Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who has faced the ire of the Dallas fanbase ever since. The Mavericks have gone 12-16 since Doncic's departure, which coincided with the injury bug hitting Dallas, including Kyrie Irving's season-ending ACL tear on March 3. The Lakers, meanwhile, have gone 19-12 since the trade and are in third place in the Western Conference standings entering Wednesday. Mavericks fans are still mourning and coming to terms with their franchise player being traded away, so it remains to be seen whether Harrison will receive a warm welcome or another icy reception. Based off the new protest mural that went up downtown, we are going with the latter option. (More on that later.) Here's what we know: Will Nico Harrison be at Mavericks-Lakers game? Yes, Harrison is in the building for Doncic's return to Dallas. Harrison was spotted on the court at the American Airlines Center ahead of the matchup as both teams warmed up. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison is in the building for Luka Dončić's first game in Dallas as a member of the Lakers. — Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) April 9, 2025 Harrison was on hand to watch the Lakers-Mavericks matchup on Feb. 25 in Los Angeles at Arena. Doncic recorded his 81st triple-double and his first in purple and gold — 19 points (6-of-17 FG, 1-of-7 3PT), 15 rebounds and 12 assists, in addition to three steals and two blocks — in his first game against his former team. Lakers fans chanted, "THANK YOU NICO!' amid the Lakers' 107-99 win. LOS ANGELES LAKERS fans chant 'Thank you Nico!' after Luka Doncic's triple double vs. Mavericks 'Fire Nico' mural protest in Dallas Fort Worth-based muralist Juan Velazquez (@velazquez_art) painted a mural that features a navy Mavericks hat with a piece of duct tape over the logo that reads, "FIRE NICO." The mural was inspired by a hat worn by fan Chris Taylor, who was one of several spectators ejected from the Mavericks' 129-128 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 11 due to violations of the NBA's code of conduct after chanting "FIRE NICO," referring to the Mavericks' general manager. The tagline has become a catchphrase among Mavericks fans who remain irate at the Mavericks' leadership — specifically Harrison, who brokered a deal with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to trade Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis — and has become a symbol of resistance. "I think that trade deserved that kind of reaction from the fanbase," Taylor told local media station, NBC 5 DFW. Velazquez added, "We wanted to send one last message. If you are going to buy a team that is loved by the city with players that are loved by a city, that should matter. If you can't understand that, you have no business owning a team." Luka Doncic tribute set for return Although fans are furious with Harrison, they have nothing but love for Doncic. The Mavericks also are planning to show a tribute video in honor of Dončić, who became one of the league's best players in his six-plus seasons with the team and led them to the NBA Finals last season. The Mavericks are giving every fan in attendance at the American Airlines Center a T-shirt that reads "thank you so much" written in Slovenian. Contributing: Scooby Axon The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
New York Times
09-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Luka Dončić returns to Dallas with the Lakers, compared to Babe Ruth
DALLAS – Draped across the 20,000 spectator seats inside American Airlines Center were t-shirts with the following message written in Slovenian, directed at the evening's special guest. 'Hvala za vse,' which means 'thank you for everything.' Almost no one outside of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison's office could have, up until the shocking news broke on Feb. 2, imagined any scenario where the people of Dallas were welcoming Slovenian-born superstar Luka Dončić as part of the visiting team or thanking him for 6 ½ years of service that are now over. Advertisement But that exact scenario is playing out on Wednesday, with Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers (a sequence of wording that still gives Mavs fans shivers) in Dallas for a game for the first time since the blockbuster trade from two long months ago. 'Some were comparing it to Babe Ruth (getting traded by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees), which is kind of cool,' Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. This Mavericks-Lakers game, on ESPN, is also a big deal because it features the other star in the Dončić deal, Anthony Davis, playing against his old team for the first time since the trade, and almost as an aside, both teams need to win for postseason positioning. A small footnote, LeBron James will pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the second-most games played (1,561 games) in NBA history. All of those things take a back seat to the return of Dončić, a five-time All-Star, perennial MVP candidate, and 26-year-old who had already led the franchise to two Western Conference finals and the NBA Finals last season. A player like him, just entering his prime, simply is not traded. But early on Feb. 2, news broke that the Mavericks traded Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieef Morris to the Lakers for Davis (a 10-time All-Star and 2020 champion with the Lakers), Max Christie and the Lakers' first-round pick in 2029. Two franchises were changed forever. 'There will be a lot of emotions, I think, a chance for fans to say hi or say bye,' Kidd said. 'Unfortunately with the trade, they didn't get that opportunity. You're talking about one of the best players in the world on one of the biggest stages, who's always delivered.' Lakers coach JJ Redick said his message to Dončić would be that his teammates and coaches 'got your back.' 'Luka said it last night to me, I know he said it to you guys – he doesn't even know how he's gonna feel,' Redick said. 'I think anybody who's been in a place that means a lot to them and built relationships and felt really a part of the community, that first time back is always emotional and there's no predicting how you're gonna feel.' Advertisement Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki is expected to be in attendance for Dončić. He was there in Los Angeles when the Mavericks played the Lakers for the first time since the trade on Feb. 25. The Lakers acquired the next face of their franchise in Dončić, already a co-standard bearer with James, who is near retirement. The Mavs say they restructured to win with defense, adding Davis to an already large frontcourt, and avoided a disruptive summer that would have followed when Dončić would have been eligible for a five-year, $345 million contract extension. Dončić insists he was always prepared to sign and remain a Maverick for his entire career. It has become clear Harrison did not want to offer Dončić the extension, stating generally that some players are better fits culturally than others. The trade was met with great anger from the Mavericks' fan base; there were protests inside and outside American Airlines Center, with patrons calling for Harrison's job. During the first few home games after the trade, fans protesting Harrison were removed from the arena. When the Mavs traveled to Los Angeles for the first game between the two franchises since the trade (Davis was out that night with an injury), Laker fans thanked Harrison, who was in attendance, for making the trade. The Lakers won that game and Dončić scored 19 points against his old team, but his first trip to Dallas was always going to be the more emotional reunion because, well, this was home – a home he intended to keep. 'When you look at just the business of sports, change happens,' Kidd said. 'When change happens, it's the ones who carry on and keep moving forward – those are the special people. Fans are gonna be fans, they have a right to boo, they have a right to cheer. Hope is still in that locker room. AD is not a bad player – I think he's a top 75 player (of all time) if I recall.' Advertisement The Lakers were in fourth place at the time of the trade and entered play Wednesday in third in a tight Western race. A win over the Mavs would clinch a playoff spot. Dallas was in ninth place when the deal went down and entered Wednesday's game in 10th. A win over the Lakers would secure a spot in the Play-In, which, really, would be a win for the franchise given that Kyrie Irving went down to a torn ACL on March 3. Dončić entered play averaging 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in 26 games for the Lakers. Davis was averaging 20.6 points and 9.6 boards in seven games for Dallas. He was injured during his Mavs debut on Feb. 8 and missed the next 18 games. 'I'm forever grateful to AD for our relationship as player coach and him allowing a first-year coach, a guy who's never coached outside of 9 and 10-year-olds to actually coach him,' Redick said. 'And I thought we had a terrific working relationship and a terrific rapport and I've expressed that to him – my gratitude for that. It was a pleasure to be around every single day and, yeah, I think regardless of if we had five bigs or if we have one big like we currently do in our rotation he's gonna give you nightmares. Like, he's that good, he's one of the best players ever and you certainly have to scheme for him.' This story will be updated.
USA Today
09-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What Luka Doncic said about playing in Dallas for first time since Mavericks-Lakers trade
What Luka Doncic said about playing in Dallas for first time since Mavericks-Lakers trade Luka Doncic, following his ejection from the Los Angeles Lakers' loss at the Oklahoma City Thunder, spoke about the emotional return he's expecting in Dallas when the Lakers face the Mavericks. Show Caption Hide Caption How real are the Lakers as NBA title contenders? The Lakers have been on a roll since trading for Luka Doncic, but are they good enough to win a championship? Luka Dončić took a deep breath before answering the first question he got about his impending return to Dallas. It's going to be a lot when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night in Dončić's first game back in Texas since the Mavericks stunned the NBA by trading him to the Lakers more than two months ago. He already knows this, even if he isn't quite sure how he'll react upon taking the court at American Airlines Center to face the team he never wanted to leave. 'Of course it's going to be a lot of emotion for me. I really don't know what to expect," Dončić told reporters in the aftermath of the Lakers' 126-99 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. "I don't know what I'm going to feel, honestly. I'm looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates — ex-teammates. It's going to be very emotional for me, for sure." NBA COACHES ON THE HOT SEAT: Who could be in trouble after Nuggets fire Michael Malone? What Luka Doncic's Dallas return means for Lakers, Mavericks Dončić was dealt to the Lakers in February in exchange for forward Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick. The Lakers also received forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the trade, which included 2023 Lakers first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino being sent to the Utah Jazz. The move sent shockwaves through the entire sports world, with NBA executives taken aback that one of the league's brightest stars was even available. The backlash in Dallas was immediate and intense, with protests outside the first Mavericks' home game following the trade. Davis appeared in one game before succumbing to an adductor injury. He returned to the Mavericks' lineup last month and is currently expected to play on Wednesday night against his former team. Dončić has appeared in 26 games with the Lakers since the trade, averaging 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game while playing alongside LeBron James for the first time. He was ejected in the third quarter of Tuesday's loss to the Thunder after picking up a second technical foul for shouting profanity at a referee. Dončić clarified afterwards he was actually exchanging trash talk with a courtside fan and, "it had nothing to do with the ref, so I didn't really understand.' His absence in Oklahoma City, though, was quickly overshadowed by questions about his pending return to Dallas. Dončić already faced the Mavericks once since the trade — a 107-99 Lakers' win in Los Angeles on Feb. 25. The 26-year-old Slovenian spent seven seasons in Dallas after being drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He appears to still be coming to terms with how his time there ended. "Honestly, I don't know about closure. It's obviously a lot," Dončić said in reference to Wednesday's game. "But, you know, like I said, I'm excited to be back here. The fans can appreciate me being back here, so I mean, honestly, I don't know. I don't know how I'm going to feel, but I'm just excited to be back.' The game will carry a significant amount of weight in the jam-packed Western Conference playoff race. The Lakers would be the No. 3 seed in the West if the NBA postseason started Wednesday, but the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies all sit just one game back during this final week of the regular season. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are currently the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference postseason bracket and they've clinched a spot in the play-in tournament. They are just one game behind the No. 9 seed Sacramento Kings for the chance to host a play-in tournament game next week. For Dončić, though, the stakes go beyond the standings on Wednesday. He believes his new team is ready for what he's about to go through. 'Since the first day or second day, we kind of bonded. Everybody is just great people," Dončić said. "We ... come together as a team and I think you can see that a lot of times on the court. Just a great group of guys and it's my team and obviously we're going for the win (Wednesday), but I think they understand it's going to be a lot of emotions for me." How to watch Lakers vs. Mavericks: TV, live streaming for Luka Doncic's first game back in Dallas Date : Wednesday, April 9 : Wednesday, April 9 Time : 7:30 p.m. ET : 7:30 p.m. ET Location : American Airlines Center (Dallas) : American Airlines Center (Dallas) TV : ESPN : ESPN Streaming: Fubo (free trial) Watch Luka Doncic, Lakers vs. Mavericks with Fubo
Fox Sports
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2024-25 NBA odds: When will Steph Curry make his 4,000th 3?
That headline sounds made up, doesn't it? Similar to that Mavericks-Lakers trade? Well, just like that blockbuster swap, this is also real — Warriors icon Steph Curry is on the cusp of his 4,000th made regular-season 3-pointer. Curry, is widely regarded as the best shooter in NBA history, and the numbers bear that out. Let's check out the odds for when Curry will make 3-pointer No. 4,000 at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Feb. 13. When will Curry make his 4,000th career regular-season 3-pointer? 3/20 vs. Raptors: +550 (best $10 to win $65 total)3/18 vs. Bucks: +550 (best $10 to win $65 total)3/17 vs. Nuggets: +550 (best $10 to win $65 total)3/22 vs. Hawks: +650 (best $10 to win $75 total)3/15 vs. Knicks: +700 (best $10 to win $80 total)3/25 vs. Heat: +800 (best $10 to win $90 total)3/13 vs. Kings: +1000 (best $10 to win $110 total)3/28 vs. Pelicans: +1200 (best $10 to win $130 total) 3/30 vs. Spurs: +1800 (best $10 to win $190 total) As of Feb. 13, Curry has connected on 3,943 regular-season 3-pointers. This season, Curry has 196 3s made, third-most in the league behind Minnesota's Anthony Edwards and Detroit's Malik Beasley. However, Curry leads the league in 3-pointers made per game with 4.4, as Edwards has played in 53 games, Beasley has played in 55 and Curry has played in 45. Curry needs 57 3s to reach 4,000, meaning if he keeps that exact pace, he will achieve the feat in 13 games, when the Warriors play the Knicks on March 15, assuming he plays in the next 13 games. He's made four or more 3-pointers in a game 30 times this season. To put Curry's 3-point success into context, second on the all-time list is James Harden, who is the only other player in NBA history with over 3,000 3-pointers. He's at 3,078, nearly 900 fewer than Curry. Other current players near the top of the list include Damian Lillard at 2,760, Klay Thompson at 2,627, LeBron James at 2,517 and Paul George at 2,335 — all miles behind Curry. Curry has led the league in 3-pointers made a record eight times, all within the last 12 seasons. Harden has topped the league three times (the second-most all time) in the last 12 years. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
