Luka led Lakers survive shorthanded Mavericks
The NBA world was flipped on its head when the Los Angeles Lakers acquired 25-year-old superstar Luka Doncic. Since then, outside of two games against the Jazz and Hornets, the Lakers have looked outstanding.
As much as it still feels like Luka just landed in Los Angeles’ laps from heaven, it did take another team giving up on him for the trade to happen. The Dallas Mavericks had to face the consequences of their actions tonight for the first time since shipping off their beloved star in quite an unceremonious fashion.
The night would have had even more excitement around it if the other star involved in the deal was available.
Unfortunately, Lakers legend Anthony Davis missed tonight’s game due to his abductor strain. However, he received a touching tribute video followed by thunderous applause from the Lakers’ faithful.
Anthony Davis taking in the LA crowd after his emotional tribute 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2HsGUmYyyi
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 26, 2025
LUKA STOLE THE SHOW EARLY
The question on everybody’s minds tonight was, to what extent is Luka Doncic going to eviscerate the Mavericks tonight? To start the game, it looked like the beginning of a classic Luka masterpiece.
There was a moment in the first quarter where Dorian Finney-Smith saved a loose ball from going out of bounds, it went right to Luka, and Doncic proceeded to hit a 30-ft bomb.
LUKA DRILLS THE 3 AND STARES DOWN THE MAVS BENCH 😳 pic.twitter.com/CDp9KIu9B6
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 26, 2025
He hit the shot but wasn’t done there. Luka took a long, vengeful glance in the vicinity of the Mavericks bench. Some have speculated he might have actually been looking at Nico Harrison, also known as the Lakers’ guest of honor, in the arena tonight.
Doncic ended the quarter with nine points, seven rebounds, and four assists, and also recorded a block and steal. He was already on pace for his eventual triple-double.
New Look Lakers
Over the past 17 games, the Lakers have had the number one defense and number one offense in the league. This is a team that has been instilling fear across the league especially following their impressive wins against Denver and Dallas tonight.
While you could say the 2020 championship team had better collective talent from top to bottom, you could also say that this new version of the Lakers is playing a superior brand of basketball.
The way that purple and gold defenders have been flying around in the absence of Anthony Davis has been nothing short of inspiring. Offensively, JJ Redick has crafted one of the most innovative offenses in the league with the same dedication to movement both off and on the ball.
There were hiccups in tonight’s game, specifically when it came to securing defensive rebounds and shooting from deep, but the blueprint didn’t waiver.
Their pace and transition offense led them to the early lead they carried through the game. When the fourth quarter came, they buttoned back up and played Lakers basketball.
Big four?
Tonight’s game was another display of the versatility of this new Lakers squad. After tallying 20+ points in their game against Denver, the Lakers’ core group was essential tonight, too. Doncic, James, Reaves, and Hachimura might be among the toughest groups to deal with in the league.
Luka and LeBron’s play goes without speaking, but Reaves and Rui have been tremendous this season. Rui is shooting 41.5% from three (18th in the league), and Reaves is averaging a career-high in points, rebounds, and assists.
Final 📊
Bron: 27 pts, 12 reb, 3 ast
AR: 20 pts, 3 reb, 5 ast
Luka: 19 pts, 15 reb, 12 ast, 2 blk, 3 stl
Rui: 15 pts, 6 reb, 2 blk pic.twitter.com/MDUAkuey4V— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 26, 2025
The group combined for 81 points, 20 assists, and 36 rebounds tonight. Outstanding. With the attention that LeBron and Luka draw, mixed with Reaves’s ability to create for himself and Rui’s marksmanship, these four are going to create problems for NBA defenses deep into the playoffs.
