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Luka Doncic scores 45 points in return to Dallas as Lakers clinch playoff spot
Apr
Luka Doncic Drops Triple-Double in Emotional Return to Dallas as Lakers Clinch Playoff Spot
In a dramatic return to Dallas, Luka Doncic delivered a vintage performance, recording a triple-double and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112–97 victory over the Mavericks. The win officially secures a playoff spot for the Lakers, who now sit third in the Western Conference standings with a 49–31 record.
A Night of High Emotions and Higher Stakes
This matchup marked Doncic’s first game back in Dallas since the blockbuster trade that sent him to Los Angeles. Emotions ran high as the 26-year-old star was greeted with a tribute video prior to tip-off. Fighting back tears, Doncic acknowledged the crowd that once cheered him for five-and-a-half memorable seasons.
Despite still having two years left on his contract, Doncic was traded to L.A. in a shocking move that reshaped both franchises. In return, Anthony Davis went to Dallas, adding another layer of drama to this highly anticipated clash.
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
Doncic came out firing. By halftime, he had 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting, giving the Lakers a narrow 60–57 lead. His offensive rhythm proved difficult to contain, and he remained the focal point of the Lakers’ attack throughout the night.
Although he cooled slightly in the second half, Doncic still finished with 45 points, tying his season high — a mark he had previously reached once with the Mavericks in December and again with the Lakers in March.
He added eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals, continuing to showcase his all-around game. Through 27 games as a Laker, he is now averaging 27.8 points per game.
Historic Performance Falls Just Short of Record
Doncic narrowly missed out on a record. His 45-point outburst was close to the most points scored by a player in their first road game against a former team. That record still belongs to John Williamson, who scored 50 points when the Nets visited the Pacers in 1978.
Still, his performance earned respect from the Dallas crowd, who applauded him as he left the court. Amid the ovation, chants of “Fire Nico” echoed through the arena — a pointed message toward Mavs general manager Nico Harrison, the architect of the controversial trade.
Supporting Cast and Final Push
LeBron James added 27 points, with 13 coming in the fourth quarter, helping the Lakers weather a brief Mavericks comeback. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds against his former team.
Naji Marshall led Dallas with 23 points and eight assists, but the Mavericks were ultimately outmatched. With the loss, Dallas drops to 38–42 and is now locked into a losing season, a stunning outcome just a year after reaching the NBA Finals.
Despite the disappointing year, the Mavericks still have a chance to sneak into the play-in tournament, currently holding the 10th spot in the Western Conference.
LeBron Adds Another Milestone
In addition to the win, LeBron passed another milestone. Friday’s game was his 1,561st regular-season appearance, moving him past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second-most in NBA history. Only Robert Parish (1,611) has more.
This was LeBron’s 418th game with the Lakers, following 849 games with the Cavaliers and 294 with the Heat. Even at 40, his longevity and impact continue to shape NBA history.
What’s Next
Both teams return to action for their final home games of the regular season on Friday night. The Mavericks will host the Toronto Raptors, while the Lakers welcome the Houston Rockets.
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