Luka Doncic Offers Intriguing 1-Word Take on Lakers’ Victory Over Mavericks
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic had plenty to share after defeating the Dallas Mavericks, his former squad, in their first meeting since his trade to L.A.
However, the defining word he used to sum up the experience conveyed everything necessary.
The night was remarkable in many ways. The Mavericks’ decision to send Doncic to Los Angeles was one of the most unexpected and historic trades in NBA history—especially considering their Finals appearance last season and two Western Conference Finals runs in three years.
Doncic, who turns 26 on February 28, has already secured five straight All-NBA First-Team selections in just six seasons, beginning with a Rookie of the Year award. While superstars have been moved before, it is rare for them to be dealt in or approaching their prime—especially without demanding a trade first.
Doncic’s first contest against Dallas felt surreal, surpassing even LeBron James’ return to Cleveland in a Miami Heat jersey, since James left in free agency, or Michael Jordan donning Wizards colors to face the Bulls after his retirement.
The overwhelming attention and pressure surrounding the Lakers-Mavs matchup also took a toll on Doncic, as he admitted in his postgame remarks.
“It was just a lot of emotions and not much sleep,” Doncic stated. “I can’t even explain [it]… And, I’m just glad it’s over, honestly.”
Tuesday night also marked Doncic’s first triple-double in Lakers colors, as he tallied 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, along with 3 steals and 2 blocks. This came after a stellar 32-point, 10-rebound, and 7-assist outing in a dominant 23-point road win over the Denver Nuggets.
The Lakers defeated the Mavericks 107-99, improving to 35-21 on the season. They currently sit in the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, one game ahead of the Houston Rockets in the loss column, though both teams trail the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder by 10.5 games.
Los Angeles is also just two games behind the No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies, who are tied with the Denver Nuggets at 38-20 but hold the tiebreaker.