Five-time champions criticize Mavericks for trading Doncic: "It s a huge mistake"

According to US sports media F/W reporter Sidante Gupta. On the night of winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, Don Nelson used the platform to criticize Doncic's deal, saying he made a huge mistake before Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Five-time champion Don Nelson attended Game 2 of the NBA game as he was awarded the Chuck Daley Lifetime Achievement Award. However, before celebrating his success, the former Dallas Mavericks head coach used the platform to fight against the deal criticized Doncic. In an interview with the media before the game, Nelson said: "In fact, I want everyone to know that I'm wearing his new Nike shoes. I just bought them in the market. I wear them to protest the Dallas deal. I think the Dallas team traded him a huge mistake, and I want everyone to know that."

Nelson wore Doncic's new signature shoes Doncic arrived at the 2nd game at the Target Center, especially the "Gone Fishing" color scheme. In this regard, Nelson's words are of great significance. The former Mavericks head coach is widely regarded as one of the best coaches of all time and has also won three NBA Coach of the Year awards. His influence in Dallas coaching career was huge, with a record of 339-251 during his tenure. Although he talked about the Mavericks’ team most of the time, his decision to protest their move at the trade deadline is rather disturbing. The

Doncic trade was one of the most polarized events in the 2024-25 regular season. In a historic move to change the NBA landscape, the two superstars swapped teams, effectively turning the season around. Under Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers climbed to third in the league. Meanwhile, the Mavericks collapsed under injury pressure and found themselves fighting for a playoff spot. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison can be considered one of the most controversial people in the league after Doncic left Dallas. The hatred he received from his fan base, while worrying, was understandable as well.

However, the decision to trade the star also has positive implications, as the team will eventually be able to restructure their future with the first pick in the draft. Although there is no direct evidence to link the two events, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the current situation of the team could be a factor in determining the odds of the lottery.

In any case, Doncic's trade is a milestone, especially for the Lakers. After acquiring a true superstar to build their future, the Purple Gold Army is expected to make him the core of the team’s future to determine the details of his contract renewal with the team. Given his high hopes for revitalizing and improving, the Lakers also want to see him bring more trophys during his side-by-side with LeBron James.

But judging from the situation last season, even though the Lakers introduced Doncic to increase their offense, they have serious flaws in the lineup, especially the inside. If they want to take advantage of the peak of their cooperation, the management must solve this problem in the offseason and then there is a greater possibility of making a comeback next season.