Lakers Host Mavericks: Luka Doncic Faces Former Team in NBA Cup Showdown

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers are set for a critical matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, with the NBA Cup quarterfinals on the line.

The Lakers (13-4) enter the game with a 3-0 record in West Group B, already securing a position in the next round of the tournament. Meanwhile, the Mavericks (5-14) are looking to regain their footing after being eliminated from advancing with a 1-2 group record.

Doncic, a five-time All-Star, faces off against his former team and aims to lead the Lakers with the same success he had last season, including a stunning 45-point performance against Dallas on April 9.

Despite injuries, the Lakers have maintained their momentum, highlighted by a recent 135-118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. In that game, Doncic recorded 43 points, while teammates Austin Reaves and LeBron James contributed significantly with 31 and 25 points, respectively.

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised the chemistry of his star trio, stating, “Luka got it going early and establishing himself. LeBron and Austin stayed patient, being efficient alongside Luka’s outburst.”

As the Lakers prepare for the Mavericks, they are also hopeful about the potential return of Anthony Davis, who has been sidelined due to a calf strain. He participated in practice on Wednesday and hopes to be available for either the Dallas game or the next one against the Clippers.

Contrastingly, the Mavericks are struggling, having lost four of their last five games, including a recent 106-102 defeat against the Miami Heat. Players like P.J. Washington, who scored 27 points against Miami, are looking to provide offensive spark but will need more help across the board.

Dallas’ roster faced setbacks, particularly with the absence of promising rookie Dereck Lively II, who is out due to injury.

The matchup is pivotal for both teams as they look to establish a winning trend moving forward. The game’s atmosphere in Crypto.com Arena is expected to be electric as the Lakers seek to maintain their unity and push toward further success in the tournament.