Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic delivered another standout display against former team Dallas Mavericks, leading a 116-110 win on Saturday. Doncic finished with 33 points and 11 assists at American
Airlines Center, adding key defensive plays late as the Lakers moved to 27-17 this season.
The game marked Doncic’s second appearance back in Dallas since last year’s surprise trade to Los Angeles. While the atmosphere remained intense, Doncic admitted the emotional impact has eased slightly compared to his first return, though some difficult feelings are still linked to facing the Mavericks.
Doncic influenced the contest at both ends, not only scoring and creating but also producing crucial defensive interventions in the closing minutes. One of those moments included a game-sealing charge, underlining how involved Doncic was in securing the six-point victory for Los Angeles.
Game-sealing charge for Luka? Squad was LOVIN' it pic.twitter.com/UDbQwRsezMLos Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 25, 2026
There was still one reminder of Doncic’s history in Dallas when Doncic walked toward the home locker room by mistake at half-time. Despite that brief confusion, the focus remained on the court, where the Lakers closed out another road success and tightened their position in the Western Conference picture.
Doncic spoke at length about what playing in Dallas continues to mean. "It's a special place," Doncic said. "I mean, I'm always going to want to win no matter what. Every game I want to win, but obviously, this one's a little bit different.
Doncic highlighted the support inside the arena, especially considering local conditions. "That was really special. I didn't know what to expect before, because I know how this city gets when the weather is bad. I really appreciate a lot of people showing up," Doncic said after the matchup.
Asked directly whether facing the Mavericks has become less challenging emotionally, Doncic admitted the situation remains complex. "There are still emotions, trust me. But it's a little bit better, a little easier for me. It's unbelievable. I've still got a lot of fans here, with the players, and some other people. I'm happy to be back. "
Luka Doncic history with Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers context
Doncic’s first game back in Dallas last April carried even stronger emotions. Mavericks supporters protested the trade before tip-off, and Doncic was seen in tears ahead of that contest. Doncic then produced 45 points in a dominant Lakers win, setting the tone for future meetings between the sides.
Lakers coach JJ Redick believes that emotional connection will never fully disappear. "The significance of this will probably be there for the rest of his career. This is where it started for him. It's where he made his first NBA Finals appearance. It's where he was drafted. The significance for our team is there, and it's certainly there for him. "
Luka Doncic road streak, Los Angeles Lakers record and Mavericks schedule
Doncic’s latest performance extends a historic individual run on the road. Doncic has now registered at least 30 points, eight assists and one steal in six consecutive away games, the longest such sequence recorded by any player in NBA history, underlining sustained production for the Lakers.
Saturday’s result moved the Lakers to 27-17, with their next fixture coming against the Chicago Bulls on Monday. Dallas slipped to 19-27 with the defeat and now heads straight into a back-to-back, travelling to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday needing a response.
