Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 121-92 loss to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, star guard Luka Doncic avoided directly addressing the recent firing of former Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, offering only brief reflections on his time with the franchise.
Doncic spoke with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype after Thursday’s defeat, steering conversation away from Dallas’ front-office shakeup.
“Just the city of Dallas, fans, players, always have a special place in my heart,” Doncic said. “I thought I was going to stay there forever but I didn't. So, they’ll always be a special place for me. Always I can call it home. Right now, I'm focused on the Lakers, trying to move on. But obviously, always gonna be a part of me there but just trying to move on and focus on what we’re doing here.”
Doncic later revealed in his presser — via Laker Nation — that he had no interest in discussing the possibility of a future return to Dallas.
“Right now I'm just focused on the Lakers. No further comments,” he said.
Luka Doncic on Nico Harrison: “Dallas, fans, players, always have a special place in my heart. I thought I was going to stay there forever but I didn't. They’ll always be a special place for me. Always I can call it home. Right now, I'm focused on the Lakers, trying to move on.” pic.twitter.com/UOyM5oogUp
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) November 13, 2025
Harrison, who orchestrated Doncic’s blockbuster trade to Los Angeles in February, was dismissed by the Mavericks earlier this week amid mounting pressure and the team’s slow start. Doncic's reluctance to discuss his former front-office leader comes as Dallas reels from injuries, recent losses, and organizational turbulence.
Lakers lean on Luka Doncic’s production as Mavs unravel after Nico Harrison’s firing
In his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic has delivered MVP-caliber production. Through eight games, he is averaging 34.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three in 36.6 minutes per contest.
The Thunder limited Doncic to one of his roughest outings of the season. He finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals on 7-for-20 shooting from the field and 1-for-7 from deep across 33 minutes as the Lakers dropped to 8-4.
Los Angeles will attempt to bounce back as it continues its five-game road trip. The Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans (2-9) on Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET, with James still ramping up for a potential return and the team looking to regain rhythm after its worst loss of the season.
Dallas, meanwhile, continues to spiral. The Mavericks fell to 3-9 following a 123-114 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, remaining 14th in the Western Conference. With Anthony Davis still sidelined by a left calf strain and Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL, the Mavericks have struggled to overcome injuries and the fallout from Harrison’s dismissal.
The Mavericks will attempt to halt their skid when they host the Los Angeles Clippers (3-8) on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET. The game marks the second matchup of Dallas’ three-game homestand and presents another test for a roster searching for stability amid the early-season turmoil.
