NBA Showdown: Luka Dončić’s Return Draws 2.5 Million Viewers Against Mavericks

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 26, 2025 – A highly anticipated showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks unfolded Tuesday night, drawing 2.5 million viewers on TNT. The matchup marked the first game for Lakers star Luka Dončić against his previous team since his trade earlier this month, reigniting NBA fan interest amidst concerns over declining viewership.

The match, held at Crypto.com Arena, was not merely about basketball; it was steeped in drama with Dončić facing off against the team that sent him to Los Angeles on Feb. 1. The game reported TNT’s biggest audience since the league’s opening night. Ratings increased by 210% compared to the same game last season, signaling a potential resurgence for NBA viewership.

Dončić took center stage, achieving a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the Lakers to a 107-99 victory. He expressed mixed emotions post-game, commenting, “The closure’s going to take a while, I think. I’m glad this game is over. There’s a lot of emotions, but we go little by little, and every day is better.”

Despite the success of the Lakers’ star, he was not the only point of interest. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, who orchestrated the controversial trade, received noteworthy reactions from the Los Angeles crowd. Additionally, Anthony Davis, a key player acquired in the swap, was sidelined due to injuries but still supported the team from the bench.

NBA analysts see this matchup as a potential catalyst for a new rivalry between the Lakers and Mavericks. Both teams are within striking distance of the playoffs, with the Lakers currently vying for a top-three seed in the Western Conference.

Additionally, social media buzz around the game was unprecedented, generating 358 million views across all platforms in just 12 hours. Dončić emerged as the leading trending topic before, during, and after the game. Nationally, the Lakers-Mavericks game resonated particularly with viewers under 50 years old, crowned as the night’s most-watched program in that demographic.

This record-breaking viewership aligns with past high-profile games, showing that marquee matchups can effectively re-engage audiences. The NBA’s viewing landscape has experienced challenges this season, with overall ratings down by 19% year over year, with the recent Deadpool effect witnessed during the All-Star game. Dončić’s star power, paired with the rivalry narrative, could be the remedy the NBA needs to combat declining numbers.

Looking ahead, anticipation builds for a rematch scheduled on April 9 when Dončić will return to Dallas in what promises to be another dramatic chapter in this evolving rivalry.