LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic is set to face the Dallas Mavericks just 23 days after the unexpected trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers. This Tuesday night, the Lakers will host the Mavericks in what marks the first encounter between the two teams following one of the most surprising NBA trades in recent years.
The Lakers traded Anthony Davis and Max Christie to acquire Doncic, who was last season’s scoring champion and a five-time All-NBA selection. The move shocked many as Doncic, at 25, was considered one of the league’s untouchable players, especially after leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season. However, Dallas general manager Nico Harrison saw an opportunity, and the Lakers were eager to welcome a younger foundational talent for the next decade.
Though Doncic chose not to comment on the upcoming matchup after practice on Monday, his teammates and coaches anticipate the Slovenian superstar will handle the situation with grace. "I think he’s going to be excited, but everybody in the locker room is excited," said Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith, a former teammate of Doncic in Dallas. "We’ve got his back. It’s going to be a hard-fought game. I know Mavs coach Jason Kidd is going to have them ready to compete, so we’ve just got to match their intensity."
The game, held at the Lakers’ downtown arena, will not feature both key players involved in the trade. Anthony Davis, a 10-time All-Star known for leading the Lakers alongside LeBron James to the 2020 championship, is sidelined for at least two more weeks due to a groin injury sustained during his debut with the Mavericks. Despite his absence, Davis is traveling with the Mavericks and is expected to receive a warm reception from Lakers fans who admired his two-way game.
Similarly, Max Christie, a second-round pick who became a starter for Los Angeles this season, is also part of the traveling team. Doncic, initially stunned and hurt by the trade, was further challenged by a recovery from a strained left calf that had kept him off the court for 6 1/2 weeks. However, he has gradually returned to full form with the Lakers, finding his stride alongside James in their new starting lineup.
After struggling with his shot in his first three games with the Lakers, Doncic showcased his prowess last Saturday night by leading Los Angeles to a surprising blowout victory in Denver. He delivered a stellar performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals against an opponent that had dominated the Lakers in the past.
"I knew it was going to come," Finney-Smith stated. "Luka, I shoot with him all the time, so I knew there was nothing wrong with his shot. He just hadn’t played for a while. He ain’t played since Christmas, and guys want him to come back and be 30, 10 and 10, but it takes time for him. I’m just happy he’s finding his rhythm."
The anticipation for the next reunion is building as the Lakers are scheduled to visit Dallas on April 9. Mavericks fans have been vocal in their dissatisfaction with Harrison and the Dallas ownership group, setting the stage for another intense matchup.
