‘I thought I was going to stay there forever’: Luka Doncic opens up about Dallas Mavericks exit, Nico Harrison firing

Nine months after being moved to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, Luka Doncic has once again spoken up about his exit and the recent firing behind the mastermind of the deal, Nico Harrison.

Doncic, who has been on fire with the Lakers to start the season, addressed Harrison’s sacking after their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder by lauding the Dallas Mavericks and their fans.

“Dallas — fans, players — will always have a special place in my heart,” Doncic said. 

“I thought I was going to stay there forever, but I didn’t. They’ll always be a special place for me. It’s a place I can always call home,” he added.

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“Right now I’m just focused on the Lakers. No further comments.” – Luka Doncic when asked if he could ever see himself playing for Dallas again, now that Nico Harrison was dismissed. pic.twitter.com/rJr4xoslGb

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 13, 2025

When asked by the media if he still wants to return to the Mavericks after Harrison’s firing, Doncic provided no comment and said that he is focused on the Lakers this season.

“Right now, I’m focused on the Lakers and trying to move on,” he said. “No further comment.”

In the offseason, Doncic signed a three-year $161.4 million contract that will keep him in Los Angeles until 2029.

Doncic was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018 before he was traded on Draft night to Dallas for Trae Young.

The Slovenian led the Mavericks since his rookie season, and led them to the Finals in 2024 until being traded to the Lakers for Anthony Davis last season.

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