The Los Angeles Lakers’ star point guard, Luka Doncic, was a Dallas Mavericks phenom not too long ago.
Doncic competed with the Mavericks for nearly seven seasons, helping the organization reach new heights in the post Dirk Nowitzki era (Dallas completed a surprising NBA Finals run during the 2023-24 campaign).
However, on Feb. 2, the Lakers poached the five-time All-Star from Dallas in an unbelievable trade that forced Los Angeles to part ways with Anthony Davis.
While Doncic likely isn’t fond of the Mavericks in early July, he will reunite with a former member of the organization in a shocking offseason move.
“Former Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson has been named as a special adviser to Slovenia’s national team, reuniting him with Luka Doncic,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein reported Friday.
“Nelson has a long history in the international game working with Lithuania’s national team.”
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The Lakers should thank the Mavericks for relieving Nelson of his duties in 2021 after serving as the franchise’s GM for 16 years.
If the 62-year-old was still a pivotal member of the organization, there’s a good chance that Doncic wouldn’t be continuing his NBA career in Los Angeles alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Considering Nelson played a crucial role in landing Doncic in 2018 and had high hopes for the young stud, the concept isn’t too far-fetched.
During EuroBasket 2025, Nelson and Doncic will help lead Slovenia as they face France, Poland, Belgium, Israel, and Iceland in Group D.
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