Luka Doncic posted a triple-double in his first game against the Dallas Mavericks since being traded, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-99 victory Tuesday night.
Doncic finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, marking his first triple-double in a Lakers uniform.
The 25-year-old Slovenian, who was unexpectedly sent to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis three weeks ago, shared warm greetings with his former teammates but took long looks at the Mavericks’ bench throughout the night.
LeBron James scored 16 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to help Los Angeles secure its third straight win.
Kyrie Irving led Dallas with 35 points, while Klay Thompson added 22 in the Mavericks’ loss.
Doncic struggled with his shooting, making just 6 of 17 attempts, but he delivered in the clutch with a key assist to James for a layup that sealed the game with 32 seconds left.
The Lakers (35-21) have now won 13 of their last 16 games, maintaining their hold on fourth place in the Western Conference.
Dallas (31-28) dropped to ninth place in the West as it continues adjusting to a roster that no longer features its former franchise cornerstone.
Lakers fans at Crypto.com Arena chanted “Thank you, Nico!” in reference to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who has been criticized for trading Doncic.
Max Christie, also part of the trade package for Davis, scored 10 points for Dallas, all in the first half.
Davis, sidelined with a groin injury, received a standing ovation when the Lakers played a tribute video in the first quarter.
Doncic’s triple-double was the 81st of his career, ranking him seventh in NBA history and marking his fourth of the season.
His last triple-double for Dallas came on December 15, adding further weight to the emotional significance of this matchup.
The Lakers out-rebounded the Mavericks 57-45, capitalizing on their size advantage inside.
Austin Reaves contributed 20 points for Los Angeles, while Rui Hachimura added 15, knocking down two three-pointers.
For Dallas, P.J. Washington Jr. went scoreless in 34 minutes, missing all nine of his shot attempts.
The Lakers built an early lead by outscoring Dallas 28-20 in the first quarter, with Doncic grabbing eight rebounds in the opening period.
The Mavericks responded with a 31-point second quarter but struggled with efficiency, shooting 35.7% from the field overall.
Los Angeles shot 44.8% and overcame a cold night from beyond the arc, hitting just 11 of 40 three-point attempts.
Despite Doncic’s trade, the Mavericks remain in playoff contention, though their chemistry with Irving and Thompson continues to develop.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, is surging as Doncic adjusts to his new role alongside James and Reaves.
Both teams will meet once more this season in Dallas, where Doncic is sure to receive an even louder reception from Mavericks fans.
