The Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, marking Luka Doncic's first game against his former team since being traded from the Mavs just weeks prior. The atmosphere was electric, with plenty of excitement surrounding the much-anticipated matchup.
Before the game, Doncic had the chance to catch up with his former teammates, including star guard Kyrie Irving. The two shared a special moment on the court, reflecting on their brief yet impactful time together coaching the Mavs. The NBA captured this moment on social media, posting about the greetings exchanged, including mention of Irving's pregame interactions with LeBron James, another former teammate whom he left behind when he departed for the Lakers.
Irving, who shared the court with James during their championship years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, looked comfortable as he embraced Doncic before the tip-off. According to the NBA's post on X, "Kyrie with pregame daps for his former teammates LeBron & Luka 🤞 We're UNDERWAY on TNT!" This statement aptly captured the camaraderie on display during this moment of connection before competition.
Neither player appeared to harbor any hard feelings about their respective moves. Instead, they exchanged personal handshakes and smiles, showcasing their enduring friendship, as fans hoped to see the competitive edge come out once the game began. For both Doncic and Irving, the day was not just about nostalgia, but also about putting on their best performances for their new teams to secure valuable wins as the playoff race heats up.
Earlier, Doncic had been on fire, putting up 32 points, ten rebounds, seven assists, and four steals against the Denver Nuggets, leading the Lakers to victory and showcasing what he could bring to his new squad. After the game against Denver, he expressed his relief at finding his rhythm, stating, "Finally felt like myself … That’s why I was smiling the whole game." This performance not only marked his best outing as a Laker, but it also set high expectations for his showdown against the Mavericks.
On the other side of the court, Irving has also made waves since his trade, contributing significantly to the Mavericks' scoring efforts. He entered the game eager to showcase his own skills and leadership following the team's mixed results since he came aboard. The Mavs have been fluctuated recently, seeking stability as they aim to bounce back after suffering from losses against the Golden State Warriors just days earlier.
Now, both teams entered the Staples Center with much at stake, as the competitive Western Conference has teams jostling for playoff positions. The Lakers have been on the rise, having the best record since January 15, 2025, and currently eyeing the top of the conference standings. When they last played, Doncic worked on integrating with his new teammates. The stakes were significant not just for pride but also for playoff positioning.
Luka and Kyrie’s encounter was not only historical for its significance but also for what both players accomplished during their time together. The duo had rapidly developed chemistry, and now they found themselves across from each other. This contest marked only the next chapter of their basketball journeys as they look to establish themselves as leaders for their respective teams.
The excitement leading up to the game was undeniable. Fans were eager to see how Doncic would perform against his former teammates. Will it motivate him to exceed expectation? While the match’s outcome may not hold the weight of decades-long rivalries, it certainly carries personal significance for both players and highlights shifts seen throughout the league.
Doncic’s development as he adjusts from leading Dallas to now sharing the limelight with LeBron James continues to be closely watched. The analytics surrounding his first four games with the Lakers showed he needed time to shake off rust, but his breakout performance signaled he was ready to fulfil his potential as one of the league’s best.
Conversely, the game provided Irving with the spotlight to demonstrate his caliber as he attempts to lead the Mavericks back to the postseason. His experience as a champion will be put to the test as he plays both against and alongside stars like LeBron, who continues his stellar career over decades.
Both Doncic and Irving brought their skills, personalities, and competitive spirits to the game, but as the dust settled on Tuesday night's matchup, it would be results and performances on the court—and not friendly exchanges—that kept both players and their fans awake well past their bedtime.