Overview

• Luka Doncic delivered a commanding 45-point performance in his first game back in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025.
• The Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112:97, solidifying their third-place standing in the Western Conference and confirming their playoff berth.
• The trade sending Doncic to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Mavericks has left Dallas fans disillusioned, with some questioning their loyalty to the team.
• The Mavericks' playoff hopes are dimming as injuries, including Kyrie Irving's season-ending ACL tear, continue to plague the team.
• Doncic expressed emotional ties to Dallas during his return, where fans and former Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki honored his legacy despite the controversial trade.