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Hall of Fame NBA coach Don Nelson died on Sunday at age 86. Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic paid a tribute to the five-time NBA champion coach on social media shortly after learning the news of his passing.
"It’s a sad day for basketball with the passing of Don Nelson," Doncic wrote on X. "I have so much respect for him and everything he did for the game, especially the way he believed in international players. I’m grateful for the time I spent with him. Thinking of the entire Nelson family today. I loved getting to know you, Coach."
Nelson Protested Against the Mavericks Trading Doncic
Nelson's son, Donnie Nelson, was a Dallas Mavericks executive through the 2021 season. He helped the Mavericks draft Doncic in 2018 and went on to build a strong relationship with Doncic across his career in Dallas.
When the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers in 2024, Don Nelson made it clear he was not a fan of the decision. He said generational talent like Doncic should never be traded.
While accepting the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award during Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Nelson spoke out against the trade and wore Doncic's signature Jordan Brand shoes to show his support for the six-time NBA All-Star.
"As a matter of fact, I want everybody to know I'm wearing Luka's shoes, his new shoes from Nike that just got on the market," Nelson said. "I'm wearing them in protest for the trade from Dallas. Tremendous mistake by the Dallas franchise to trade him, and I want everybody to know that."