Luka Doncic sends NBA fans into meltdown as Lakers star haunts former team in dramatic win against Mavericks

Luka Doncic sends NBA fans into meltdown as Lakers star haunts former team in dramatic win against Mavericks

Luka Doncic sent NBA fans on a frenzy with an incredible performance in his first game against the Dallas Mavericks. 

On Tuesday night, Doncic crossed paths with his old team for the first time since being shown the door out of Dallas when the Mavericks visited the Lakers in the City of Stars.

With the nation watching the Lakers-Mavs matchup, the first since Doncic got traded to Los Angeles, the Slovenian exacted revenge by becoming the fourth Laker to record a triple double within their first five games in purple and gold. 

His performance had fans raving on social media as the close contest unfolded. The Lakers would win 107-99 after 48 minutes. 

‘It would appear Luka may have taken this whole trade thing personally,’ Barstool Sports wrote.

Another user said, ‘OH WOW, Luka Doncic buries a deep three-pointer and turns around to stare the Mavericks bench, I LOVE IT!!!’

Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double against the Mavericks in his first game against them

Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double against the Mavericks in his first game against them 

LUKA THREE — STARES DOWN THE MAVS BENCH. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/1lN0jQkH71

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 26, 2025 Read MoreBREAKING NEWS Ex-NBA star and Milwaukee Bucks sued after player launched a ball at rival fans article image

‘Luka came out firing,’ a third chimed in. ‘Staring down the Mavs bench after all those buckets, you can tell how personal Doncic is taking this game. I love it, Luka getting his revenge today.’

‘Nico Harrison should quietly leave the building and book a flight to some remote country and never return,’ a fourth commented, pointing out the Mavs general manager who authored the Doncic trade.

Doncic immediately warranted a heat check and went into the intermission with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and seven ᴀssists. The fired-up guard also got a technical early in the game after arguing over a no-call during a layup.

After four quarters, Doncic clocked out with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 ᴀssists, three steals, and two blocks.

NBA fans woke up to a seismic trade on February 2 when the three-way transaction between the Mavericks, Lakers, and Jazz shifted the plates in the NBA.

Los Angeles received Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. On the other hand, they shipped Anthony Davis with Max Christie and a 2029 first-rounder. Meanwhile, the Jazz swiped Jalen Hood-Schifno and two second-round picks for the upcoming draft.

Doncic clocked out with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 ᴀssists, three steals, and two blocks

Doncic clocked out with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 ᴀssists, three steals, and two blocks

Loud “Thank you, Nico!” chants while Luka Dončić shoots free throws. pic.twitter.com/qaI0x8ct8J

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 26, 2025

A Mavs fan holds a sign about loyalty directly behind Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison — as Luka Doncic warms up in the background for the Los Angeles Lakers… #NBA #dallas #mavs #mavericks #dallasmavs #dallasmavericks #mffl  #lakers #losangeles #luka #lukadoncic pic.twitter.com/VQp4DLk0Rf

— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) February 26, 2025

Before Tuesday’s game, Harrison looked as Doncic warmed up at Crypto.com Arena. He later became subject to ridicule as Angelinos chanted ‘Thank you, Nico,’ as Doncic sH๏τ free throws.

While many noted how Doncic stared down the Mavs bench after his buckets, the TNT panel suggested he was shooting darts at Harrison. 

The five-time All-Star was also seen doing push-ups in front of Harrison after the GM claimed the main reason for trading him was being out of shape. 

‘I can’t even explain how I felt,’ Doncic said of his performance. ‘I can’t wait to go to sleep, honestly.’

Apart from Doncic’s triple-double, LeBron James led the Lakers in scoring with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura tallied 20 and 15 points, respectively. 

Kyrie Irving’s 35-piece performance came in vain as Dallas fell to a 31-28 record. The Mavericks have lost five of their ten games since the dramatic trade. 

Luka is doing push-ups right in front of Nico Harrison. 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/ScnvU7CVXc

— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) February 26, 2025 LeBron James led the Lakers in scoring with 27 points and 12 rebounds against the Mavericks

LeBron James led the Lakers in scoring with 27 points and 12 rebounds against the Mavericks 

Anthony Davis received a warm welcome in Los Angeles and a tribute video from the Lakers

Anthony Davis received a warm welcome in Los Angeles and a tribute video from the Lakers 

On the other hand, the Lakers have won seven of their nine outings since acquiring Doncic. Over halfway through the season, JJ Redick’s squad is 35-21, sitting fifth in the Western Conference. 

Doncic’s triple-double came after a 32-point, 10-rebound game in a 123-100 beatdown over the Denver Nuggets.

Despite not playing, Davis traveled with the Mavs, as he returned to LA for the first time since getting traded. The Lakers acquired the big man in 2019 and helped them win a тιтle in 2020.

Davis received a warm welcome in his old stomping grounds after the Lakers played a tribute for him in the first quarter.

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