Just months after reaching the NBA Finals, GM Nico Harrison sent shockwaves through the league by trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis—quietly, and in the middle of the night. Just a bombshell move that turned Dallas upside down.
Since then, the vibes have been toxic. When Doncic returned to the American Airlines Center last week, chants of “Fire Nico” echoed through the arena.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are leaning into the drama. On Tuesday, the team posted photos of Lakers star’s Doncic and Austin Reaves wearing matching headbands at practice, calling them “headband twins” on X.
Luka & AR 🤝 headband twins pic.twitter.com/SBwwyNXWMd
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 16, 2025
For Doncic, the headband has been a signature look since his Dallas days. Reaves recently adopted it—and has been balling out, with improved numbers over his last three games.
Headband Austin Reaves over the last three games
by u/WayAdministrative679 in lakers
The Lakers, now the No. 3 seed, will face the No. 6 Timberwolves in the first round. Game 1 tips off Saturday, April 19, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Back in Dallas, Harrison finally met with local reporters for the first time since the deal. No cameras. No recordings. Just a closed-door chat. And despite the fan backlash, he told reporters that he has no regrets, according to Mike Curtis.
“Yeah, there’s no regrets on the trade,” Harrison said. “Part of my job is to do the best thing for the Mavericks, not only today, but also in the future.”
“When you look at this trade, we targeted AD. With our philosophy of defense wins championships, we wanted a two-way player to lead our team and that was Anthony Davis.”
“Yeah, I have three years left on my contract. I see myself finishing it out.”
Nico Harrison addressed the media Tuesday:
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 15, 2025
“Yeah, there’s no regrets on the trade. Part of my job is to do the best thing for the Mavericks, not only today, but also in the future.”
“When you look at this trade, we targeted AD. With our philosophy of defense wins championships,…
The Lakers are putting more trust in Austin Reaves
JJ Redick’s letting Austin Reaves cook. The Lakers’ guard took a big leap last season, shedding the ‘just a role player’ label. Now? He’s front and center in the game plan heading into the playoffs.
With a gritty first-round matchup against the Timberwolves coming up, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, straight-up called Reaves the “X-factor.”
“The Timberwolves and Lakers matchup isn’t gonna be easy for anybody… I believe Austin Reaves is gonna be the X-factor in that series,” Paul said.
"The Timberwolves and Lakers matchup isn't gonna be easy for anybody..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 15, 2025
I believe Austin Reaves is gonna be the X-factor in that series" ~ @RichPaul4 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/RM8t6dNiRg
When defenses double LeBron or jam up Anthony Davis, the Lakers need someone who can shift gears. That’s Reaves.
Minnesota’s defense is a tough nut—no cap. But L.A.’s betting on its stars, and Reaves’ growing swagger, to crack it.
READ: Bill Simmons Questions Lakers’ Officiating Advantage
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
