"Nico Getting Fired Tonight": NBA Fans Go Berserk as Luka Doncic Rises For Slam Dunk Amid Reports of Mavs Cutting GM Loose 

Luka Doncic turned heads during the Lakers-Hornets game on Monday after rising for a two-handed jam in the third quarter. Doncic blew past his defender after splitting the pick-and-roll and threw it down, showing his dunking potential for the first time in a Lakers jersey.

Amid reports of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison potentially getting fired, fans couldn't contain their excitement about the timing of Doncic's dunk.

For context, Harrison and the Mavericks reportedly traded the superstar overnight due to his conditioning issues. Harrison coveted Anthony Davis in that trade due to his "defense."

Here's how NBA fans reacted to Doncic's dunk amid speculation around Harrison's job security:

👑

@Lebronin1

Nico how you feeling brother

Showtime Luka

@showtimeluka

Can’t believe Nico traded this demon 😂🤞

T-Ray

@T1Ray0

As a mavs fan seeing Luka dunk like that again Nico gota go by the end of the week take AD with you.

❄️💜🐍

@lakeruci

Luka back to dunkin on mfs again…Nico what did u do lololol

Trevion D. Ware 🏉¹ᴷ

@Tware1k

They said 77 was overweight/overrated and had no bounce 🥱 I laugh

Pat Pat

@OnlyKidPat

@TheHoopCentral Nico getting fired tonight 💀💀

According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, there's a "strong likelihood" that the Mavericks will cut Nico Harrison loose midseason. The Mavericks are not off to the best starts with just three wins in 10 outings.

Meanwhile, Harrison's big acquisition, Anthony Davis, has played in only 14 games for Dallas, dealing with multiple injuries.

MrBuckBuck

@MrBuckBuckNBA

MacMahon: There is a “very very strong likelihood” that the Dallas Mavericks will fire Nico Harrison midseason. Via: https://t.co/TGozVvbhU1

On the other hand, Luka Doncic is in the best shape of his life. He's off to another MVP-caliber start, averaging a league-best 37.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists before Monday's contest against Charlotte. Doncic is in the best shape of his life, and his above-the-rim play will only fuel the rage among Mavericks fans against Nico Harrison for trading the franchise centerpiece.

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Luka Doncic hands Lakers' eighth win with 38-point night

Luka Doncic had another massive night for the Lakers as he tallied 38 points, six rebounds, seven assists and one steal on 14 of 28 shots, including five triples, guiding LA to a 121-111 win over the Hornets.

The Lakers avoided losing consecutive times, maintaining their streak on the season. Doncic and Co. started the game with neat offensive execution. Their shotmaking wasn't spot on, but the process was clinical, something that has been a struggle before.

The Lakers' bigger struggles came on the defensive end as they leaked 40 points in the first quarter. However, they had a much better effort in the rest of the quarters on that end, inspired by Marcus Smart, in particular. The 2022 'Defensive Player of the Year' award winner had seven steals, while the Lakers tallied 12.

All five starters scored in double digits, with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura joining Doncic as the other 20+ point scorers.

The Lakers improved to 8-3, with three more games left on the road trip. They face a stern challenge ahead against the defending champions, the OKC Thunder, on Wednesday.