In his first game against the Dallas Mavericks after being traded to the Lakers, Luka Doncic finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, helping Los Angeles win 107-99.
On an emotional night for the Slovenian superstar, who was surprised by the seismic trade that sent him to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis three weeks prior, Doncic recorded his first triple-double with the Lakers.
Luka leads Lakers to beat Mavericks
Despite having troubleshooting (6 of 17), he finished a fantastic playmaking performance by helping LeBron James make the game-winning basket with 32 seconds remaining.
Los Angeles hung on for its third consecutive victory and its 13th in 16 games as James assisted his new partner by scoring 16 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter.
For the Mavericks, Klay Thompson contributed 22 points and Kyrie Irving scored 35.
🌟 LEBRON/LUKA LEAD LAL 🌟
— NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2025
Bron: 27 PTS (16 in 4Q), 12 REB, 11-17 FGM
Luka: 19 PTS, 15 REB, 12 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK
The @Lakers are 4th in the West as they improve to 8-2 in their last 10 games! pic.twitter.com/WuZuHGzGJX
Lakers fans chanted "Thank you, Nico!" as they surrounded Dallas general manager Nico Harrison, who many Mavs supporters despise for arranging the trade.
In the first half, Max Christie who was traded with Davis scored all ten of his points.
After the Lakers showed a long video tribute to the great big man in the first quarter, Davis received the largest of several standing ovations despite being unable to play because of a groin injury.
Doncic's triple-double was his fourth of the season and his 81st overall, ranking seventh in NBA history.
The Lakers return to host the Timberwolves, and the Mavericks host the Hornets.