The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 116-110 on Saturday night behind a 33-point double-double from Luka Doncic. The superstar had an extra burst of energy against his former team, and he was cooking the Mavericks. Dallas had to double to force the ball out of Luka’s hands. It worked in the third quarter, but the Lakers figured it out in the final period to ensure Doncic got his revenge.
Since the blockbuster trade, number 77 is 4-0 against his former team. He has put up monster numbers every time and always makes the right plays. Doncic went for 33 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, one steal, and one block in 39 minutes of action. He made eight of his 15 field goal attempts and nailed 14 free throws. The Lakers outscored Dallas by 18 with Doncic on the floor, but it took a team effort to secure the win.
Luka didn’t want to leave Dallas. He was blindsided by the trade and will always want to prove that the Mavericks made a mistake in trading him. Doncic did it again on Saturday night. He is moving on, but fans know it will always be something that pumps up number 77.
Luka Doncic got a little more revenge on the Mavericks
Doncic was not going to let the Lakers lose to the Mavericks in Dallas. He was much more composed than his first return to his former home, but he still took his game to another level. Luka even had his defense locked in during this victory. Lakers fans know it has been better this season, which was always going to happen after Nico Harrison and the Mavs ignited a fire in the superstar.
Luka said, “this is always a special place for me” about returning to Dallas. The Mavericks dominated the third quarter and raced out to a massive lead, but Doncic was always going to lead the comeback. Kevin O’Connor was impressed by LA’s close.
That was an impressive as hell Lakers comeback win. I know it’s just Dallas but Luka made all the right decisions, hustle plays by Marcus Smart, and LeBron James played great two-way ball with small ball 5 minutes. And Rui!
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) January 25, 2026
Lakers fans couldn’t be happier that Luka is in Los Angeles. The trade will forever go down as one of the most foolish moves in NBA history. Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 and was traded at the 2025 deadline. It never made sense, but the Lakers were the beneficiary.
Los Angeles must make upgrades to be a serious title contender. They should be looking to grant Luka’s wish. They need a 3-and-D wing and more help at center. The best revenge for Doncic will be winning a championship wearing purple and gold. Expect the Lakers to make it happen. Saturday night was sweet, but nothing will be like bringing another banner to LA.
The Los Angeles Lakers needed the win in Dallas, and Luka Doncic answered the bell against his former team. The Mavericks certainly don’t want to see number 77 coming to town. The Lakers are undefeated against Dallas since the trade, and that won’t stop anytime soon.
Luka will keep getting his revenge, and Lakers fans will keep laughing at the Mavs for this disastrous trade. Credit to Rob Pelinka for making this happen. Lakers fans know fired up Luka is the best version, and that will always be against the Mavericks.