Luka Dončić recorded his first triple-double as a Laker Tuesday night, leading Los Angeles to a 107-99 victory over his former team, the Dallas Mavericks.
In an emotionally charged matchup, Dončić finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists despite shooting struggles, going just 6-for-17 from the field.
“It was an emotional night for the Slovenian superstar, who was caught off guard by the blockbuster trade sending him to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis,” reporters noted from courtside.
The game carried special weight for Dončić, who exchanged warm greetings with former teammates before tipoff but also cast several meaningful glances toward the Mavericks’ bench throughout the contest. Lakers fans showed their appreciation for the trade, chanting “Thank you, Nico!” in reference to Dallas general manager Nico Harrison.
LeBron James proved crucial in securing the win, scoring 16 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter. His late-game layup off a Dončić assist with 32 seconds remaining sealed the victory for the Lakers, their third straight win and 13th in their last 16 games.
Dončić secured his 100th career triple-double when James hit a three-pointer off his assist late in the fourth quarter. The achievement adds to Dončić’s impressive statistical resume, with his ability to record triple-doubles against multiple teams showcasing his versatility.
For Dallas, Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 35 points while Klay Thompson contributed 22. The Mavericks played shorthanded, missing several key players, including Anthony Davis, who was sidelined with an injury.
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What began as a comfortable Lakers lead narrowed significantly in the third quarter when back-to-back three-pointers from Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie cut the deficit to just three points. The Lakers responded with timely baskets from their stars, with Dončić driving for a layup followed by finding James for another quick score to restore breathing room.
Austin Reaves added 20 points on efficient 5-of-9 shooting to help the Lakers’ cause.
Despite their victory, the Lakers showed vulnerabilities. Their three-point shooting remained inconsistent, and they struggled on the defensive glass, allowing 14 offensive rebounds to the undermanned Mavericks. The Lakers’ coaching staff expressed concern about the team’s work on the defensive glass during the game.
The Mavericks, now navigating life after Dončić, showed resilience despite missing Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II. They employed smaller lineups, including using second-year player Olivier-Maxence Prosper at center in second-half bench units.
The win strengthens the Lakers’ position in the Western Conference playoff race, improving their record to one of the best in the league over the past month. This surge has them eyeing not just home-court advantage in the first round but potentially a top-two seed in the conference.
As basketball analysts noted, the Lakers’ combination of playmakers presents significant challenges for opposing defenses, with Dončić, James, and Reaves all capable of creating scoring opportunities for themselves and teammates.
