Rob Pelinka thanks the Dallas Mavericks and calls Mavs GM Nico Harrison, “instrumental” in the trade negotiations. When have you ever seen a sports executive publicly thank the other team’s representative like this?

Rob Pelinka and Nico Harrison have been friends for many years. They were introduced to each other thanks to the late Kobe Bryant. Their friendship was instrumental in making probably the biggest and most shocking NBA trade in history.

The Los Angeles Lakers introduced Luka Doncic to the press on Tuesday morning. Doncic, wearing a sensible sweater, was joined by Lakers general manager Rob Peli