Everyone seems to be pointing the finger at the wrong guy for the Luka Doncic deal to the Dallas Mavericks. Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, recently disclosed how flawlessly and covertly the blockbuster was executed under her close supervision.
Buss was aware of what might happen if the trade was discussed in an open and flat manner. The idea of the Mavs trading Doncic has never occurred to anyone. And the fact that Nico Harrison is still dealing with the fallout from the move hit everyone so hard.
Jeanie Buss speaks about Luka Doncic trade
Buss opened out a bit too much after the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-102. The owner of the Lakers stated: “It was really important to me that we didn’t blow up the team. If it had leaked out and the trade hadn’t happened, that would be really unfair to the progress that the coaching staff had made with the team. Because it’s a huge distraction,”
“You are going to have your own section in Lakers history” 💛💜
Luka Doncic first time meeting Lakers owner Jeanie Buss 👀 pic.twitter.com/JugWYjWXBp
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) February 11, 2025
Harrison, the general manager of the Mavericks, reportedly approached Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka first. They negotiated conditions over the course of a few weeks. And at last, one of the most anticipated deals in NBA history happened.
Buss also said: “The trade deadline is part of the business. It increases the level of stress for everybody. And I’m really proud that it didn’t leak out and that we were able to execute the trade in a way that still was surprising to all the parties involved. But that goes with this business,”
The Lakers owner appeared to be somewhat relieved that everything went as planned, but the Dallas supporters are still not convinced by the move.
