NBA Fans Erupt as Anthony Davis’ $130M+ Price Tag Tops Luka Dončić for Next 3 Seasons, Putting Nico Harrison Under Fire

The NBA offseason has sparked fiery debates among fans after new financial projections revealed that Anthony Davis will earn more than Luka Dončić over the next three seasons, surpassing $130 million in total salary. The Los Angeles Lakers star’s massive contract has left basketball enthusiasts stunned, prompting widespread criticism and putting Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison under a microscope.

The discussion started when analysts compared the future earnings of some of the league’s top stars for the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 seasons. To the surprise of many, Anthony Davis’ contract guarantees him over $130 million during that stretch, exceeding the amount Luka Dončić is set to make in the same period. Considering Dončić’s reputation as one of the NBA’s premier young superstars and a perennial MVP contender, the news has triggered an uproar across social media platforms and sports talk shows.

Davis’ Monster Contract Sparks Debate

Anthony Davis, who has battled injuries throughout his career, signed a lucrative extension with the Lakers that now appears to outpace the salaries of younger stars like Dončić. Fans have pointed out that Davis has missed significant stretches of games in recent seasons, leading many to question the value of paying him a higher annual salary than a player who is widely considered a franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future.

Davis’ dominance when healthy is undeniable—he remains one of the league’s premier defenders and an elite two-way presence in the paint. His ability to anchor the Lakers’ defense and contribute as a versatile scorer makes him invaluable in theory. However, critics argue that the risk of injury and his inconsistent availability diminish the return on such a monumental financial investment.

“Anthony Davis getting more than Luka over the next three seasons is insane,” one NBA fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Luka is out here carrying the Mavs to playoff runs, while AD might miss 20-30 games a year. Make it make sense.”

The Luka Dončić Comparison

Luka Dončić has quickly ascended to superstardom since entering the league, producing eye-popping stats and establishing himself as the face of the Dallas Mavericks. By the 2025-26 season, he will still be in his mid-20s, entering his prime years as a generational talent.

Despite being younger and more durable, Dončić’s contract structure—dictated by his rookie max extension—means that his salary will lag behind older stars like Davis for the next few seasons before he becomes eligible for a supermax deal. Many fans view this as a failure on the Mavericks’ part, putting more pressure on general manager Nico Harrison to build a competitive roster around their superstar.

“Nico Harrison has to get Luka help ASAP,” a Mavericks supporter posted on Reddit. “He’s getting underpaid compared to guys like AD, and if the team doesn’t start winning big, Luka might start looking for a way out. This is on the front office.”

Nico Harrison Faces Growing Criticism

The financial revelations have amplified scrutiny on Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, who has been tasked with turning Dallas into a true contender. Fans argue that if the team cannot capitalize on Dončić’s relatively cheaper contract window, the franchise risks wasting his prime.

Harrison made a splash last year by pairing Luka with Kyrie Irving, but the team has struggled to maintain consistency in a crowded Western Conference. Now, with Dončić temporarily making less than Davis despite outperforming him statistically and in terms of availability, the pressure on the front office has intensified.

Sports commentators have noted that the Mavericks’ situation is a pivotal moment for Harrison’s tenure. If the team fails to compete at the highest level in the next few years, Dončić’s loyalty could waver, and the financial dynamics of his next contract will only make roster-building more difficult.

Fan Reaction: Outrage and Humor

Social media has been buzzing with memes, jokes, and heated debates since the salary comparison went viral. Some fans are furious, questioning the Lakers’ and Mavericks’ front-office decisions, while others are taking a more humorous approach.

One viral post read, “Anthony Davis making $130M+ while playing 55 games a season is wild. Luka should send him a thank-you card for setting the bar so low.” Another quipped, “Imagine paying AD more than Luka when Luka is out here dropping 40-point triple-doubles.”

Even neutral observers have joined the conversation, highlighting how the NBA’s contract structures can create odd salary disparities between stars. While Davis is being compensated for his championship pedigree and current veteran status, Dončić’s generational talent appears temporarily undervalued due to the timing of his extensions.

The Bigger Picture

While the outrage is understandable, NBA financial experts point out that this scenario is a product of the league’s collective bargaining agreement and salary cap system. Veteran players with years of service can sign larger maximum contracts earlier than younger stars still on their rookie extensions.

For the Lakers, Davis’ contract is a calculated gamble on his health and ability to keep the team competitive alongside LeBron James and any future acquisitions. For the Mavericks, Dončić’s temporary “discount” could be a window of opportunity to build a stronger supporting cast—if Harrison can make the right moves.

As the next three seasons unfold, the contrast between Davis’ salary and Dončić’s impact will remain a focal point of fan discussion. If Davis can stay healthy and help the Lakers contend for another championship, his paycheck might seem justified. But if Luka continues to carry the Mavericks deep into the playoffs while making less money, expect the chorus of criticism aimed at Nico Harrison and the league’s pay structure to grow louder.