Lakers Defeat Mavericks in Emotional Showdown for Doncic and Davis

INGLEWOOD, CA – February 26, 2025: The Los Angeles Lakers overcame the emotional weight of a blockbuster trade last month, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 107-99 at Crypto.com Arena. On a night filled with tributes and emotions, Luka Doncic faced his former team while Anthony Davis kicked off his new journey in Dallas, albeit from the sidelines due to an injury.

Davis, traded to the Mavericks prior to the season, was honored with a tribute video during the game as his former teammates recognized his contributions to the Lakers. Davis was a pivotal figure in leading Los Angeles to a championship in 2020. LeBron James, who shared a close bond with Davis, watched the tribute closely. “We know what AD was to this franchise and what he did for this franchise from the moment we got him to hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy,” James said. “It was great to see him get that recognition and get that moment.”

In a twist of fate, Davis’s first game with the Mavericks was shelved due to an adductor injury. Despite being sidelined, the Lakers still ensured his contributions were remembered as fans showered him with applause during the tribute. Meanwhile, his replacement, Max Christie, also received recognition after contributing significantly to his new team’s dynamic.

Austin Reaves, who remains connected with his former teammates Davis and Christie, mentioned, “Ever since the trade went down, I’ve kept tabs. I’m watching a lot of their games. I want to see his growth.” Reaves also praised Christie’s performance, noting he averages 14.7 points per game, showcasing his talent since leaving Los Angeles.

Emotions ran high throughout both teams as Doncic adjusted to a Lakers jersey. He finished the game with a triple-double, scoring 19 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and providing 12 assists. Doncic’s performance, although lacking efficiency from the field, underscored his ability to adapt and support his teammates in critical moments.

<p“Closure is going to take a while, I think,” Doncic commented post-game. “It’s not ideal, but I’m glad this game is over. There were a lot of emotions.” His emotional journey added another layer of significance to an already intense matchup.

James praised Doncic’s handling of the situation, reflecting on how players form deep connections with their franchises. “It’s probably a lot of things that were going on in his head that didn’t even involve the game itself. I thought he handled it tremendously,” James said.

The Lakers displayed strong team performance led by James, who scored 27 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, helping secure the victory. Reaves also added 20 points, while Rui Hachimura contributed with 15 points.

The Mavericks fought through defensive challenges posed by the Lakers, ultimately showcasing resilience despite their less-than-ideal circumstances, missing key players, including Davis. “He’s doing that at 40 years old, which is insane,” Doncic said of James’s impact during crunch time.

As both Davis and Christie adjust to their new roles in Dallas, the Lakers continue to push forward, building upon their recent successes. The atmosphere within Crypto.com Arena reflected a strong sense of camaraderie and acknowledgment of past contributions, setting a hopeful stage for the future. “Don’t ever disrespect Anthony Davis. He’s one of the all-time greats,” said Lakers announcer Bill MacDonald after Davis’s tribute.