Luka Doncic’s most anticipated game of the season ended in the best possible way: a 107-99 victory for the Lakers and a historic triple-double that placed him in an exclusive NBA club. Facing the Dallas Mavericks for the first time since the blockbuster trade a few weeks ago, the Slovenian star delivered a dominant performance, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
Doncic wasted no time making an impact, nearly reaching a triple-double by halftime: 12 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. By the final buzzer, he became just the third player in NBA history, after LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, to record a triple-double against all 30 teams in the league.
Electric Atmosphere and Fans’ Chants
Watching courtside was Mark Cuban, longtime former Mavericks owner, accompanied by Chandler Parsons. Meanwhile, Lakers fans took full advantage of the moment, mocking Dallas for the controversial trade that sent Doncic to Los Angeles. Throughout the game, the Crypto Arena crowd chanted: “Thank you, Nico!”, taking a shot at Mavericks GM Nico Harrison for orchestrating the trade. Since acquiring Doncic, the Lakers have won 7 of their last 9 games, while Dallas has struggled without its former franchise star.
Doncic’s arrival has also had a major off-court impact. Lakers home game ticket prices have surged by 19%, while Mavericks tickets have dropped by a staggering 40% since the trade.
Doncic: “I’m Exhausted”
After the game, Doncic was visibly drained by the intensity and emotions of the night. “I can’t wait to go to sleep, honestly. I’m exhausted,” he told reporters.
With 9 wins in their last 11 games, the Lakers seem to have found their groove with Doncic, while Dallas is left wondering how to recover after losing the player who changed the franchise’s history.
LUKA UNREAL PASS — MY GOODNESS. 🔥
(via @LADEig)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 26, 2025
Luka Doncic:
“I can’t wait to go to sleep, honestly. I’m exhausted.” 😂😂
(h/t @ClutchPoints)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 26, 2025
LUKA THREE — STARES DOWN THE MAVS BENCH. 🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 26, 2025
Nothing but love between Luka — Kyrie. 🙏
(via @NBA)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 26, 2025
Mark Cuban greeting Luka’s dad and agent. 🤝
(via @BenGolliver)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 26, 2025
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