Luka Doncic’s trade revenge? Triple-Double crushes Mavericks in LA win!

Luka Doncic had 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists in his first game against Dallas Mavericks since it traded him to Lakers, leading Los Angeles to a 107-99 victory on Tuesday night.

Doncic secured his first triple-double with Lakers on an emotional night for the Slovenian superstar, who was blindsided by the seismic trade sending him to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis three weeks ago.

Doncic warmly greeted his former teammates, but also took a few portentous looks at the Mavs’ bench during the night. He struggled with his shot, going 6 of 17, but capped a superb playmaking performance with an assist to LeBron James for a clinching layup with 32 seconds left.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) hug after an NBA basketball game.
| Photo Credit:
AP

James helped his new teammate by scoring 16 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter while Los Angeles held on for its third straight win and its 13th in 16 games.

Kyrie Irving scored 35 points and Klay Thompson added 22 for the Mavericks.

Dallas general manager Nico Harrison, who is reviled by many Mavs fans for making the trade, was serenaded by Lakers fans chanting “Thank you, Nico!”

Mavericks: Max Christie scored all 10 of his points in the first half. He was traded along with Davis by Lakers, who drafted him.

Lakers: James wasn’t about to let Doncic lose on this emotional night.

Davis couldn’t play due to a groin injury, but he got the biggest of several standing ovations after Lakers aired a lengthy tribute video to the star big man in the first quarter. Davis waved back at the crowd with both arms.

Doncic’s triple-double was the 81st of his career — seventh in NBA history — and his fourth this season. His last for Dallas was on December 15.

Both teams play on Thursday. Mavericks host Hornets, and Lakers host Timberwolves.