The Los Angeles Lakers handled business against the Dallas Mavericks, defeating them 116-110, and it was even better than they were able to do so against Luka Doncic's former team. It may have been close to a year since the trade happened, but there are definitely some emotions that come with being on a team that drafted you, and then they surprisingly move you elsewhere.
Doncic was able to put on a show in his old stomping grounds, as he finished with 33 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists. After the game, LeBron James gave praise to Doncic about how he's found his way since the trade last season.
“A new level to his game, I think the most important is just his comfort,” James said. “Obviously, when you get traded midseason, and him spending his first 7 or 8 years here. Obviously, it was shock to everybody. Everybody that was involved, everybody that wasn’t involved in this whole sports world. Obviously him and the guys that was involved in the trade, but I think the biggest thing this year it's just more comfortable.
Lebron on Luka:
"A new level to his game, I think the most important is just his comfort. Obviously, when you get traded midseason, and him spending his first 7 or 8 years here. Obviously, it was shock to everybody. Everybody that was involved, everybody that wasn’t involved in… pic.twitter.com/y2eoKfThhN
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 25, 2026
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“Understanding the system, understanding the city, the city embracing him. Understanding that this is his team. We're all rallying around him. Obviously, we know it's kind of an emotional/big game when you come back and play your former team. He showed who he is tonight.”
Doncic has always been a prolific player, but he may have taken a big step this season, and it does look like he's more comfortable.
It all started in the offseason when Doncic made a commitment to get in shape after the constant criticism of his conditioning with the Mavericks, and apparently, it was a reason why he was traded.
This season, it's been obvious that the Lakers have given him the keys to the team, and he has them in the 5th seed of the Western Conference with a 27-17 record.