In a highly anticipated matchup on February 25, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 107-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at the Crypto.com Arena. This game marked Luka Dončić’s first encounter with his former team since being traded to the Lakers.
Dončić delivered a triple-double performance, recording 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. Despite a modest shooting percentage, his all-around contribution was pivotal in the Lakers’ win. LeBron James led the team with 27 points and 12 rebounds, notably scoring 18 points in the decisive fourth quarter. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura added 20 and 15 points, respectively. On the Mavericks’ side, Kyrie Irving stood out with a game-high 35 points, while Anthony Davis, now with Dallas, was sidelined due to injury.
The game was charged with emotion, especially for Dončić, who faced his former teammates and coaching staff. Throughout the contest, he displayed visible intensity, including moments where he stared down the Mavericks’ bench and engaged in heated exchanges, resulting in a technical foul early in the game. Despite these distractions, Dončić made crucial plays, including key three-pointers that extended the Lakers’ lead.
Lakers fans expressed their appreciation for the trade that brought Dončić to Los Angeles by chanting “Thank You Nico,” directed at Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison. This victory improved the Lakers’ season record to 35-21, positioning them as strong contenders in the Western Conference.
For a comprehensive view of the game’s highlights, you can watch the full game highlights here:
