Stephen A. Smith Rips Into Nico Harrison, Calls Him ‘Selfish’ and Criticizes Mavericks Fans for Abandoning Luka Dončić

Stephen A. Smith Rips Into Nico Harrison, Calls Him ‘Selfish’ and Criticizes Mavericks Fans for Abandoning Luka Dončić

Stephen A. Smith is never one to hold back his opinions, and after the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers, he had plenty to say. This time, his target was Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison and the fans in Dallas, who he believes have failed their young superstar, Luka Dončić.

Stephen A. on Nico Harrison: ‘Selfish and Responsible for the Damage’

During his post-game rant, Stephen A. Smith did not mince words when discussing Nico Harrison’s role in the state of the Mavericks. “This man, Nico Harrison, he’s selfish. Plain and simple. The decisions he’s made, or rather, the mistakes he’s made, have put the Mavericks in this situation. You let Luka fend for himself? For what?”

Smith went on to argue that the Mavericks’ front office has done a disservice to Dončić by failing to build a roster that can truly compete. “Sitting back, watching everything unfold, and doing nothing? That’s on you, Nico. This franchise had a generational talent in Luka, and instead of surrounding him with the right pieces, you let him sink.”

Disappointed in Mavericks Fans

Stephen A. didn’t stop with Harrison—he also took aim at Mavericks fans for their treatment of Luka Dončić. “Dallas, I’m disappointed in you. Y’all left a young star like Luka hanging. For what? The man gives you everything on the court, and you turn your back on him? Shameful.”

He highlighted the narrative surrounding Dončić, where critics have labeled him as “lazy” and a defensive liability. “All this talk about Luka being lazy, about how he can’t defend—where did that come from? You sit there and echo these ridiculous takes instead of holding the right person accountable. Nico Harrison should be the one taking the heat, not Luka.”

The Fallout

Stephen A.’s passionate critique has already sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Some agree that Harrison has failed to provide Dončić with the support he needs, while others believe Luka himself should be doing more. One thing is clear—Stephen A. Smith is not letting Mavericks management or their fanbase off the hook.

As the season progresses, the pressure on Nico Harrison will only intensify. Whether the Mavericks can right the ship remains to be seen, but according to Stephen A., it starts with accountability.