NBA legend Magic Johnson praised the Los Angeles Lakers after their 107-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks, calling it another important test for the team.
Johnson tweeted, “The Lakers passed another test last night with their victory over the Mavs. I watched from my hotel in Orlando—Luka controlled the game for 3 quarters with a triple-double, but LeBron closed it out with 16 points in the 4th.”
Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double in his first game against Dallas since being traded to Los Angeles, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 27 points, scoring 16 in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.
Kyrie Irving scored 35 points for the Mavericks, while Klay Thompson added 22 in the loss.
Doncic, who was traded for Anthony Davis three weeks ago, struggled with his shot, making 6-of-17 attempts but contributed in other areas.
The 25-year-old Slovenian shared moments with his former teammates pregame but appeared focused throughout the night, frequently glancing toward the Mavericks’ bench.
The Lakers (35-21) extended their winning streak to three games. Dallas (31-28) fell to ninth in the West as it continues adjusting to a roster without its former franchise star.
Lakers fans at Crypto.com Arena chanted “Thank you, Nico!” in reference to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who has faced criticism for dealing Doncic.
Max Christie, another piece in the blockbuster trade, contributed 10 points for Dallas, all in the first half.
Davis, sidelined with a groin injury, received a standing ovation when the Lakers honored him with a tribute video in the first quarter.
Doncic’s triple-double was the 81st of his career, placing him seventh in NBA history and marking his fourth of the season.
His last triple-double for Dallas came on December 15, adding further emotional weight to the matchup.
The Lakers out-rebounded the Mavericks 57-45, capitalizing on their size advantage in the paint.
Austin Reaves provided 20 points for Los Angeles, while Rui Hachimura added 15, connecting on two three-pointers.
For Dallas, P.J. Washington Jr. went scoreless in 34 minutes, missing all nine of his attempts.
The Lakers built an early lead, 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 just 35.7% from the field overall.
Los Angeles shot 44.8% from the field but struggled from deep, hitting just 11-of-40 three-point attempts.
Despite Doncic’s departure, Dallas remains in the playoff race, though its chemistry with Irving and Thompson is still developing.
The Lakers, meanwhile, continue to gain momentum as Doncic settles into his new role alongside James and Reaves.
Both teams are set to meet once more this season in Dallas, where Doncic is likely to receive an even louder reception from Mavericks fans.
