Luka Doncic Records Triple-Double Against Former Team as Lakers Defeat Mavericks 107-99

Emotional Reunion for Former Mavs Star as Los Angeles Secures Important Win

LOS ANGELES — In his first matchup against his former team since being traded just 3½ weeks ago, Lakers guard Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double to help Los Angeles secure a 107-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.

Doncic finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, joining teammates LeBron James and Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook as the only NBA players to record a triple-double against all 30 franchises. Despite this achievement, Doncic's postgame comments reflected relief rather than triumph.

"It was just a lot of emotions and not much sleep," Doncic admitted after the game. "I can't even explain [it]. It was a different game... Sometimes I don't know what I was doing. And I'm just glad it's over, honestly."

The 25-year-old Slovenian star shot an uncharacteristic 6-for-17 from the field, including just 1-for-7 from three-point range, as he navigated the emotional challenge of facing his former teammates and Dallas front office executives.

LeBron James ultimately sealed the win for the Lakers, scoring 16 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter on efficient 7-for-9 shooting. James, who has experienced high-profile team changes during his career, understood Doncic's emotional state.

"Obviously there's a lot of emotion that goes in when you give so much to a franchise and you sacrifice for a franchise and you have that type of love and respect for a franchise — throughout all the journeys," James explained. "He's grown from being an 18-, 19-year-old kid to now a 25-year-old man with a family... And when you move on or they move on from you, it's very emotional, obviously. It's very taxing."

The game featured several dramatic moments, with Doncic directing shouts and stare-downs toward the Mavericks bench after making plays. Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, who led all scorers with 35 points, described the matchup as "awkward as s---" but added that "it was fun" competing against his former teammate.

Doncic referred to Irving as his "hermano" (brother) and emphasized that their relationship extends "way beyond basketball."

For the Lakers, the game presented unique challenges beyond Doncic's emotional reunion. Players had to manage their own feelings seeing former teammate Anthony Davis receive a standing ovation during a first-quarter tribute video, while simultaneously working to defeat him. Davis, who was sent to Dallas in the trade for Doncic, is currently sidelined with a left adductor strain.

Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledged the unusual circumstances, stating, "You kind of just got to embrace it. It's just a little weird. It just naturally is... It's healthy, actually, just to acknowledge it and embrace it. And then you play the game, and then you never have to do that again."

The teams will meet again in Dallas on April 9, which will present a different emotional challenge for Doncic as he returns to his former home arena. The Mavericks hope to have Davis healthy by then.

Despite the statistical achievement and team victory, Doncic made it clear that processing the trade will take time: "The closure is going to take a while, I think. It's not ideal. But like I said, I'm glad this game is over. There was a lot of emotions. But we go little by little, and every day is better."

What's Next

The Lakers will continue their homestand on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Mavericks return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.