Lakers’ Maxi Kleber Reflects on Mavericks’ Firing of GM Nico Harrison: “It’s a Fast Business”

OKLAHOMA CITY — As the Dallas Mavericks’ front office shake-up continues to dominate headlines, one of the players indirectly affected by the team’s bold offseason moves shared his thoughts on the news. Former Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber, now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, reacted to the firing of Dallas GM Nico Harrison during Wednesday’s shootaround ahead of the Lakers’ matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kleber, who was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, paused before addressing reporters about the move. His tone reflected both understanding and realism — a recognition of how quickly professional basketball can change for everyone involved.

“It’s a fast business, man,” Kleber said. “[For] GMs, players, coaches; everybody. You always gotta be ready for the next move.” His brief but candid comment underscored the transient nature of the NBA, where loyalty and long-term planning often give way to results and timing.

The Mavericks’ decision to dismiss Harrison on Tuesday came just nine months after he orchestrated one of the most polarizing trades in recent league history. While Dallas has struggled early in the season, Kleber and his new teammates in Los Angeles have been trending in the opposite direction — winning six of their last seven games.

1. From Dallas to Los Angeles: A Fresh Start

For Kleber, the past year has been a whirlwind. The 33-year-old German forward spent seven seasons in Dallas, establishing himself as a steady rotation player known for his defense and perimeter shooting. His inclusion in the trade that brought Davis to the Mavericks and Dončić to the Lakers symbolized the dramatic restructuring of both franchises. Alongside Markieff Morris, Kleber was sent to Los Angeles as part of the multi-player deal, while Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick were shipped to Dallas. The move was viewed as an attempt by both teams to reset their cores — the Lakers betting on Dončić’s prime years, and the Mavericks hoping Davis could anchor a new era in Dallas. Kleber’s transition to Los Angeles hasn’t been seamless. He spent most of 2025 recovering from a fractured right foot suffered late last season, delaying his debut until a recent 122–102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite limited minutes, the forward’s return marked a personal milestone in his journey back from injury. For the Lakers, Kleber’s experience and defensive versatility are expected to play an important role as the team continues to find its rhythm in the Western Conference.

2. Harrison’s Firing Sends Ripples Across the League

Nico Harrison’s dismissal from the Mavericks sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. Hired in 2021 after a long tenure with Nike, Harrison’s tenure was defined by aggressive decision-making — none more controversial than trading away Dončić, one of the league’s brightest stars, in favor of reshaping the roster around Anthony Davis. Dallas’ disappointing 3–8 start to the season likely accelerated ownership’s decision to move in a new direction. The team has struggled with injuries, including Davis’ recurring calf issue, and inconsistency across its rotation. Harrison’s firing marks another major reset for a franchise still searching for stability after years of postseason frustration. For players like Kleber who witnessed the organizational culture firsthand, such moves are reminders of how quickly fortunes can shift in professional sports. “It’s tough, but that’s just the business,” he reiterated after Wednesday’s shootaround. The Mavericks’ next steps — including appointing an interim general manager and evaluating roster direction — will be closely watched across the league as the organization looks to rebound from a turbulent start.

3. Lakers Building Momentum as Kleber Returns

While Dallas navigates its front-office uncertainty, Kleber and the Lakers have quietly built momentum. Winners of six of their last seven, Los Angeles appears to be finding balance under head coach Darvin Ham. The addition of Kleber, once fully healthy, gives the Lakers an additional stretch forward capable of spacing the floor and defending multiple positions. The team’s chemistry has strengthened as Dončić continues to adjust to his new surroundings. His playmaking and scoring have reinvigorated the Lakers’ offense, helping them climb back into contention in the Western Conference standings. For Kleber, contributing alongside Dončić again — this time in Los Angeles — marks a full-circle moment in his career. Despite the noise surrounding his former team, Kleber’s focus remains on staying healthy and helping the Lakers maintain their winning rhythm. “You can’t control what happens elsewhere,” he said. “You just focus on your role and be ready when your number’s called.” As one franchise resets and another finds its footing, Kleber’s words serve as a fitting reminder of the NBA’s unrelenting pace — a league where change is constant, and adaptability is key.