- Luka Doncic faced his former team for the first time since his surprise trade to the Lakers
- LeBron James led Los Angeles with 27 points, while Doncic recorded a triple-double
- Dallas’ effort, led by Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, was not enough to avoid defeat
Key Takeaways:
Los Angeles Lakers claimed a 107-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in what was one of the most highly anticipated games of the NBA season. The game marked Luka Doncic’s first meeting with his former team since his unexpected trade to the Lakers earlier this month.
Despite global headlines surrounding his departure from Dallas, Doncic focused on team play rather than individual revenge. The Slovenian guard registered a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, guiding the Lakers to a key win.
Luka Doncic in his first game against the Mavs as a Laker:
✨ 19 PTS
✨ 15 REB
✨ 12 AST pic.twitter.com/11RSp9Cupe— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 26, 2025
LeBron James, at 40 years old, played with remarkable energy, leading the Lakers with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists. Doncic took on the primary playmaking role, setting up James and his teammates with key passes. Austin Reaves contributed 20 points to the victory.
The Slovenian former teammates attempted to spoil his night, with Kyrie Irving scoring 35 points and Klay Thompson adding 22. Despite their efforts, the Mavericks were unable to keep up with the Lakers.
Doncic showed no signs of tension on the court, exchanging handshakes and smiles with his former teammates. He will return to Dallas in April for his first game at the American Airlines Center since the trade. The win lifts the Lakers to a 35-21 record, while Dallas drops to 31-28.