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LOS ANGELES (AP)— Despite Luka Doncic’s fluency in four languages, he found it hard to articulate the oddity of facing the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Just 23 days after being blindsided by Dallas’ surprising trade decision, Doncic stepped onto the Los Angeles Lakers’ home floor to compete against his former team. The emotions of betrayal and uncertainty still lingered, influencing his performance, which was marked by inconsistency, moments of brilliance, and underlying anxiety.
“It was an emotional rollercoaster,” Doncic expressed. “I can’t really describe it. It felt like a different kind of game. At times, I wasn’t even sure of my actions. I’m honestly relieved it’s over.”
Doncic’s gameplay mirrored the turmoil in his head.
While he achieved a triple-double in a Lakers jersey, he also struggled with his shooting, making only 6 of 17 attempts and having difficulty from beyond the arc. He delivered a dozen exceptional passes and made at least as many significant defensive plays but managed only two fourth-quarter points in a tight match.
🌟 LEBRON/LUKA SHINE FOR LAL 🌟
Bron: 27 PTS (16 in 4Q), 12 REB, 11-17 FGMLuka: 19 PTS, 15 REB, 12 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK
The @Lakers improved to 8-2 in their last 10 games, sitting 4th in the West! pic.twitter.com/WuZuHGzGJX
— NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2025
“It felt so unusual,” Doncic stated. “There were instances where I felt completely lost. I’m just glad we managed to win.”
Fortunately for Doncic, he now has LeBron James on his team, and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer refused to let Luka face defeat.
During the fourth quarter, eager Lakers fans witnessed a glimpse of the potential chemistry between Doncic and James. James dominated the final period, netting 16 of his 27 points, including three crucial baskets assisted by Doncic, highlighting his exceptional playmaking.
Doncic wrapped up the game with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, marking the 81st triple-double of his career.
Even without the need for words, Doncic’s few significant glances towards the Mavericks’ bench signaled to his teammates the significance of the evening, and they helped smooth over the rough edges of his emotional transformation.
“As teammates, we understood how much this win meant to him,” James remarked. “We were aware of the events that transpired not long ago. We wanted to support him any way we could. I’m happy that I, along with my teammates, was able to make a few plays down the stretch to secure this victory for him. Although he may not express it, I believe it holds significance for him.”
Doncic took charge of the Lakers’ offense right from the beginning against Dallas. After missing a 3-pointer on the opening tip, he blocked a shot on the Mavericks’ initial possession, then followed up with a layup and assisted James on a 3-pointer moments later.
His exuberance was apparent, as he received an early technical foul from referee Pat Fraher for fervently protesting a missed call. Two teammates quickly rushed over to calm him down.
Dallas general manager Nico Harrison, who likely staked his career on trading Doncic, was present at the game from the outset. Doncic mentioned that he didn’t spot him.
As Doncic took some early free throws, Lakers fans chanted throughout the night: “Thank you Nico! Thank you Nico!”
Mark Cuban, who sold his controlling interest in the Mavericks 14 months prior, also attended the game from the sidelines. The billionaire playfully booed Doncic a few times, to which Doncic cheerfully responded, “Shut up, Mark!”
“Kai is my brother. Our bond transcends basketball.”
– Luka on seeing Kyrie and his former teammates 🫶 pic.twitter.com/71RiX5hXFk
— NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2025
“It was an unusual vibe, but also enjoyable,” said Dallas guard Kyrie Irving, Doncic’s close friend. “We got to relive the competitive spirit from practice, going against each other. Seeing the crowd rally behind him and witnessing him make those tough shots, which I’ve seen him nail countless times, added to the awkwardness. But overall, it was a lot of fun competing out there.”
Doncic was long regarded as untouchable, viewed as one of the league’s elite at just 25, especially after leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season. However, Harrison had a different perspective, and the Lakers were willing to part with a championship-caliber big man to secure a younger cornerstone talent for the future.
This matchup would have carried even greater weight had Anthony Davis been healthy; the 10-time All-Star, who teamed with James to secure the 2020 championship for the Lakers, is sidelined for at least two more weeks due to a groin injury suffered in his Mavericks debut.
Davis was still present at the game and received a standing ovation during the first quarter when the Lakers aired a tribute video celebrating their longtime center. He gratefully waved to the crowd.
Los Angeles also welcomed back Max Christie, their former second-round pick who became a starter this season prior to the trade. Christie contributed all 10 of his points in the first half.
The next reunion between these teams is bound to be even more electric: the Lakers are set to visit Dallas on April 9, and Mavericks fans have already voiced their displeasure with Harrison and the team’s ownership group in a very vocal manner.
