The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks combined to make one of the biggest trades in modern NBA history ahead of the trade deadline. Los Angeles acquired Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has faced criticism for much of the past three months as it is very rare to see a 25-year-old superstar fresh off of leading a team to the NBA Finals shipped away. While he has found few supporters following the decision to move Doncic, Harrison recently received some support from a trio of former NBA players.
Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway appeared on "The OGs Show" where he was asked about the deal.
"Nico is my guy, so I have to be careful," Memphis Tigers' head coach Penny Hardaway stated on Wednesday. "I love Nico. But, you know what, you talk about big balls, Nico stood on what he believed in. He stood on it, and that takes a lot. Obviously, we're not on the inside, but that took a lot to trade Luka. And AD, we know AD is as talented as anyone, we're not disrespecting AD at all, but Luka's younger, Luka could be the face of the league, that's a tough trade."
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Mike Miller chimed in on the deal, noting that there was no time to judge the move from the Mavericks' perspective as Davis and Kyrie Irving hardly shared the floor together. Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem entered the conversation, revealing that he agreed with Harrison's decision to move Doncic.
"I'm not a GM, I'm not a president, I'm none of that, but I'm the guy that's going to stand on business," Former Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem added. "If you ain't in here doing what the f**k I think is going to lead -- what you got to realize, these other 13 or 14 guys ain't as talented as you so they can't do what you do. So, if you ain't setting the right example, I'm going to give your a** a year or two (and) I'm going to get your a** up out of here. That's just me. And I'm not saying it's right or wrong, but what I will say is I need my best player to also be my leader."
Hardaway added that if Davis and Irving were both healthy, the Mavericks could have made a deep postseason run. Miller and Haslem both agreed with his assessment.
While Dallas did not reach the postseason, the Lakers did not have much more success after pairing Doncic with LeBron James. Los Angeles was bounced by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, with the series lasting just five games. They will look to prioritize retooling their roster around the five-time first-team All-NBA guard's strengths this offseason.
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