Lakers, Doncic Face Emotional Test vs Mavericks

Luka Doncic will make yet another emotional return to Dallas Saturday night as the Lakers take on the Mavericks. While the storylines coming into this game are plentiful, the most important one is that this is a must-win game for LA. To secure that win, though, they will have to execute on both ends.

Let Luka Flourish 

Doncic was stellar in his first return to Dallas after the trade last season, putting up 45 points to go along with eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. It would not be a surprise if he had another special performance tonight.

But it is important that Doncic puts together a solid four-quarter night. His early-game flurries have been excellent, but his efficiency has begun to drop after the opening 12 minutes. If he can get hot in the second half, it should be a good night for the Lakers.

LUKA RETURNS TO DALLAS TONIGHT FOR THE SECOND TIME SINCE THE TRADE 😈🍿 pic.twitter.com/zP5TEqfC1M

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 24, 2026

Containing Coop 

With Kyrie Irving yet to make his season debut, and Anthony Davis out due to a left finger sprain, the Lakers will be able to hone in on Cooper Flagg.

The #1 pick is averaging 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists on the season. The nights when he is on his game have been special, resulting in point totals such as 42 and 33. He has also improved as a passer as the season has gone on.

Flagg is the kind of player archetype the Lakers have struggled to stop. It will be up to guys like Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt to reverse that trend.

The Three Point Battle 

The Mavericks are one of the best teams in the league at defending the three, boasting the league’s best 3-point field goal percentage against. The Lakers, meanwhile, have not been able to find consistency from deep.

The good news? The Mavericks are league average when it comes to hitting shots beyond the arc. If the Lakers can get hot from deep, it will be difficult for Dallas to match them.

Wrap Up 

This game marks the Lakers’ second game of their Grammy trip and the first of six consecutive games outside California.

Tip-off is set for 5:30. The game will air exclusively on ABC.