The Los Angeles Lakers gear up for what promises to be the emotional highlight of the NBA season as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks on February 29, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. This matchup marks Luka Dončić's first game against his former team since the blockbuster trade sent him to Los Angeles, and he is getting plenty of support from his Laker teammates as he adjusts to life with his new organization.
Dončić’s former Mavericks teammate Dorian Finney-Smith shared his excitement about the game, stating, "I think he’s going to be excited. But everybody in the locker room is excited. We got his back.” The camaraderie expressed by Finney-Smith embodies the spirit within the Lakers' locker room as they make their playoff push, intending both to win and to help Dončić thrive after the transition.
Lakers coach JJ Redick also emphasized the importance of the game for Dončić, who has been working to find his rhythm following his move to Los Angeles. “Every day he’s been with us, it’s becoming more normal. He’ll be OK,” Redick said, acknowledging the emotions of facing one’s former team shortly after leaving. Dončić's recent performance against the Denver Nuggets, where he scored 32 points with 10 rebounds and seven assists, signals he might finally be settling down after recovering from recent injuries.
Both teams come to this game needing wins as they vie for playoff position. The Lakers have been hot, winning 14 out of their last 18 games, the best record over this stretch. Los Angeles currently sits fourth in the Western Conference with 34 wins and 21 losses, just behind the Memphis Grizzlies and the Denver Nuggets, who lead the pack.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, are fighting to maintain competitiveness within the Western Conference, currently holding 31 wins and 27 losses. They trail the Lakers but are closely tied with teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers. This adds another layer to their matchup, as the outcome could significantly impact postseason rankings.
The Lakers welcomed back Anthony Davis with an emotional tribute video celebrating his accomplishments with Los Angeles. Davis, unable to play due to injury, nonetheless received hearty applause at Crypto.com Arena, underscoring the love and respect he garnered during his time with the franchise, especially with his contributions to the Lakers’ 2020 championship win. This sentiment was reinforced when superstar LeBron James joined the fanfare, showing appreciation for his former teammate.
Meanwhile, Dončić’s performance against the Nuggets is viewed as pivotal, and the player props highlight his expected impact against the Mavericks. Some betting experts expect him to score over 40.5 points and rebounds, reflecting confidence based on his uptick in form following injuries. Analysts pointed out his potential for providing not just points but also dominating rebounds — something the Mavericks have struggled with recently, especially with the absence of key players like Davis.
Fans and commentators alike are eager to witness how Dončić performs on this special night. Given the stakes, many believe he’ll be highly motivated to prove himself against the franchise he once called home. Dončić’s abrupt departure from the Mavericks stirred mixed reactions, creating anticipation around his performance.
"I knew it was just gonna come," said Finney-Smith about Dončić's resurgence. “Knowing Luka, I shoot with him all the time, so I knew nothing was wrong with his shot." This perspective reflects the camaraderie and support within the Laker’s roster, emphasizing their unified goal: to secure victory.
Analytics have pointed to Dončić's potential for hitting over 3.5 three-pointers made and other key scoring achievements, positioning him as a player to watch on Tuesday night. The matchup against the Mavericks promises not just sports entertainment but also the reemergence of personal stories intertwined with big-game stakes. Cheering from his new fans, Dončić stands to make his first statement as fully-fledged Laker on this stage against the team he once dazzled with his performances.
With tip-off set for 10 PM ET, the Lakers will not only aim for another victory but also hope to fortify their playoff aspirations. Dončić's return against his former team is not only about personal achievements but about rallying as a team to claim significant wins during this season's stretch run.