Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison says everyone connected with the franchise believes in their decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, with Anthony Davis coming the opposite way.

On Saturday, NBA players, coaches and executives were stunned by reports that Dallas were sending Doncic – a five-time All-Star and the face of the franchise – to the Lakers.

The trade was made official 24 hours later, with the Lakers also receiving Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris while sending Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas.

Doncic has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 22 games this season, while Davis has had 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

Both players are currently out injured, and the post-Doncic era started poorly for the Mavs as they lost 144-101 to the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

Dallas' decision has attracted scrutiny from fans, with new big man Davis being six years older than Doncic and possessing a questionable injury record.

Their head coach Jason Kidd admitted to being "shocked" by the trade on Sunday, but Harrison insists everyone is on the same page.

"As we turn the page, it's important to know that Jason and I, we've had a vision and the culture that we want to create since we've been here," Harrison said before Sunday's loss. 

"The players that we're bringing in, we believe, exemplify that. We think defense wins championships, and we're bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league.

"Let's be clear: I'm the one making the decision and he's supportive of it. I don't do anything that's scary. Everything that we do, we put a lot of work into it, we study it and we re-study it and we go back. 

"I understand the magnitude of it. The easiest thing for me to do is do nothing, and everyone would praise me for doing nothing. But we really believe in it and time will tell if I'm right."

Harrison was then asked whether those comments were intended as a swipe at Doncic's attitude, but he refused to criticise the Slovenian.

"Listen, one thing about me, I'm not going to talk bad about any players," Harrison said. "I mean, that's not going to do us or me any good. I just say there's levels to it. 

"There are people that fit the culture and there are people that come in and add to the culture. Those are two distinct things. I believe the people coming in are adding to the culture."

Doncic, meanwhile, posted a heartfelt farewell message to the Mavericks' fans on X after the move was made official.

Grateful for this amazing opportunity. Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I’ll do so with the same joy, passion and goal - to win championships. https://t.co/psfgI5o9Pn

— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) February 2, 2025

"I thought I'd spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of," he wrote.

"For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made north Texas feel like home.

"In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most."