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Lakers GM Rob Pelinka initially thought the Luka Doncic trade idea was a joke

robert zeglinski
·2-min read
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, right, talks with Leroy Sims, director of player performance & health, prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, right, talks with Leroy Sims, director of player performance & health, prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

We're still in the aftermath of the absolutely stunning trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Something tells me that it'll be a while before NBA stars like Kevin Durant pick their jaws up off the floor.

There's just so much to sort out, and it's still so early.

But if you're the Mavericks, you probably should have listened to the warning signs before making what is now widely considered one of the worst deals in league history. First and foremost, you probably should've properly gauged Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka's reaction to even suggesting the move.

According to Brad Townsend of The Dallas News, that isn't what Mavericks GM Nico Harrison did at all. In fact, he may as well have ignored the giant BLINKING RED LIGHT that said "DON'T DO THIS" when initially talking to Pelinka about trading Doncic.

More from The Dallas News:

Harrison told The News that he and Pelinka began having “basketball” conversations more than a month ago.

“Then all of a sudden we’re like, ‘Would you ever do this [trade Doncic for Davis]?’

‘Nah, you’re joking, right?,' [Pelinka said]

‘Hmm. Interesting. Maybe I would,' [Harrison said]

Added Harrison: “And then it just built over time over the last three weeks.”

My guy! WHAT??? If the executive you want to make a deal with is shocked you're even considering a trade of your face of the franchise, that is your sign to stop all conversations and come to your senses immediately! IMMEDIATELY! It is not a green light, at least for a smart front-office team-builder, to start earnestly building up toward the trade.

Because if the other person thinks even suggesting it is a joke, that means it's an AWFUL idea! Full. Stop.

Congratulations to Nico Harrison. He just traded away a top-three NBA player in his prime and is getting railroaded by the greater basketball world. Good luck with explaining that one to Dallas.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Lakers GM Rob Pelinka initially thought the Luka Doncic trade idea was a joke