Shortly after midnight on February 2, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that has been regarded as the most shocking trade in NBA history.
The backlash against the Mavericks organization will likely resonate for years to come. Mavericks fans are expected to make their voices heard tonight as Doncic returns to face his former team, this time wearing purple and gold.
Doncic shining bright in Los Angeles
Following the trade two months ago, Luka has been outstanding for the Lakers. Doncic is averaging 27.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 8.1 rebounds as Los Angeles holds the third seed in the Western Conference with championship aspirations.
Alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers look formidable in their quest. Doncic’s playmaking and scoring ability remain elite, and James has prior experience in games of this magnitude.
In James’ case, he was returning to a team he had chosen to leave, leading to the hostility resembling that of a Game 7 in the NBA Finals. In contrast, Luka will likely face a much less hostile crowd, and it’s reasonable to expect a standing ovation, possibly following a video tribute in his honor.
Expect a big game from Davis
The lack of depth at center remains the biggest weakness for the Lakers. There was an almost completed trade to acquire Mark Williams as a lob threat, but it was ultimately rescinded.
Therefore, the Lakers will focus on making the best of the current season while planning to expand their roster in the offseason. Tonight’s matchup features former Lakers star Anthony Davis facing his old team, and he has something to prove.
The narrative that “the Lakers won the trade” involving Doncic has not sat well with Davis. Currently, Davis is averaging an impressive double-double with 25 points and 11.6 rebounds. His defensive presence is crucial, especially against a Lakers team that has struggled against opposing teams exploiting their absence of a formidable big man since trading away Davis.
Emotional night in Dallas for Doncic
Doncic’s return to the team he led to the NBA Finals last season, where he also spent the first six years of his career, is sure to be an emotional event for everyone involved.
The star power in this matchup, combined with the storyline and the fight for playoff seeding, makes this a must-watch game for basketball fans.
Although the Mavericks are somewhat undermanned, they are ready to take on this challenge. Securing a victory against Los Angeles would not only boost local fans’ belief in the franchise but also be a significant achievement, especially when facing a player of Doncic’s caliber.