Lakers owner Johnny Bass is proud to see how tight lips her team has shut her team a few days before officially announced the deal for the franchise Luka Donsic from the Mavericks for the development of the team.
The three-team hit trade, which saw the Lakers receive Maxi Klever and Markev Morris in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and 2029 first rounders, completely shocked the NBA world early on February 2nd.
Mavericks fans then rallied in protest several times, including holding a mock funeral for Donsic on Trade Day and holding a “Fire Nico” sign at the game.
Imagine a leak passing through.
It went beyond the heart of the bus.
She didn't want it to be “unfair” for the team, and made it a distraction.
She was pleased that it was “surprising to all parties involved.”
“It was really important to me not to blow up the team,” the Bass said Thursday before the Lakers' 111-102 defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves. “If that's leaking and there's no deal happening, it's really unfair to the progress the coaching staff has made with their teams because it's a huge distraction.”
Nico Harrison, general manager of Mavericks, explained that the deal took place for several reasons, including concerns about Doncic's conditioning and lifestyle choices.
The team first came to the Lakers – the only team to approach this contract – has the idea on January 7th while the team is visiting in Dallas.
“Trade deadlines are part of the business. It raises the level of stress for everyone,” Bus said. “And I'm really proud that it was not absent and that it was still possible to carry out the deal in a way that is still amazing for all involved. But that applies to this business as well.”
Bus, who took over the role in 2013 after the death of her father, Dr. Jerry Bass, has recently seen her Lakers take off as the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
LA has won 16 of its last 20 games.
Games at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2025
Los Angeles, California. Getty Images on Netflix
The team also went 6-2 in the game, a five-time All-Star since arriving in Los Angeles.
