Lakers' Luka Doncic Relieved as First Game vs. Mavs is Behind Him
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| Dallas Mavericks. |
A Night of High Emotions in Los Angeles
Luka Doncic made history on Tuesday night, becoming only the third player in NBA history to record a triple-double against every franchise. The Los Angeles Lakers' newest star helped secure a 107-99 victory over his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. While the achievement was remarkable, Doncic’s emotions postgame told a different story—one of relief rather than triumph.
"It was just a lot of emotions and not much sleep," Doncic admitted. Playing against the team that drafted and developed him for over six years was an overwhelming experience, and he struggled to find his rhythm, shooting 6-for-17 from the field and 1-for-7 from beyond the arc. However, his 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists proved crucial in the Lakers' win.
LeBron James Steps Up in the Fourth Quarter
While Doncic made history, it was LeBron James who sealed the game for Los Angeles. The four-time NBA champion put up 16 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, shooting an impressive 7-for-9 in the final stretch. James recognized Doncic's emotional struggle, offering words of encouragement:
"Obviously, there's a lot of emotion that goes in when you give so much to a franchise. When you move on or they move on from you, it's very emotional. It’s very taxing."
James, having experienced trades and transitions in his career, understood the mental toll the night took on his new teammate.
Doncic’s Emotional Night: Facing Friends and Former Teammates
Beyond the game itself, returning to face his former teammates and the Mavericks' front office added another layer of complexity. Doncic admitted that seeing general manager Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd on the sidelines stirred up emotions.
"It definitely will help me," Doncic said about getting through the night. "It's definitely going to help in the long run."
During pregame warmups, Harrison stood courtside, but Doncic claimed he didn’t notice him. However, he was well aware of the Mavs’ bench, directing multiple intense shouts and stares at his former teammates throughout the game.
A Night of Awkward Competition for Kyrie Irving
On the opposite end, Mavs' star Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 35 points and described the game as "awkward as s---." The two former teammates had led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, making this head-to-head matchup a strange but exciting experience.
"We got a chance to feel like we were in practice again, going at each other," Irving reflected. "It was fun competing."
Doncic echoed the sentiment, referring to Irving as his "hermano" and emphasizing that their bond extends far beyond basketball.
Looking Ahead: The Next Showdown in Dallas
The Lakers and Mavericks are set to meet again on April 9 in Dallas, where Doncic will face an even greater emotional test—playing in the city that once embraced him as their franchise cornerstone. This time, the Mavericks hope to have Anthony Davis back in the lineup, recovering from a left adductor strain sustained post-trade.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the unique challenges of the situation, stating:
"You kind of just got to embrace it. It's just a little weird. It just naturally is. ... It's healthy to acknowledge it and embrace it. Then you play the game and move on."
While Doncic has closed one chapter, the next awaits him in Dallas. He admitted the process of moving on is ongoing, stating:
"Closure is going to take a while. It’s not ideal. But I’m glad this game is over. There was a lot of emotion. Every day gets a little better."
As the Lakers push forward in their playoff pursuit, Luka Doncic’s transition continues, setting up another must-watch clash in April.