Luka Doncic Faces Former Team as Lakers Host Mavericks in Highly Anticipated Matchup

Image credits: Jamie Sabau/NBAE/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Dallas Mavericks in a highly anticipated matchup, with Luka Doncic facing his former team for the first time since being traded to the Lakers. The game is expected to be an emotional one for Doncic, who has stated that he is happy to have joined the "greatest club in the world" and is living his dream by playing alongside one of his heroes, LeBron James. However, some manner of revenge may be on Doncic's mind as he takes on his former team, which traded him away against his wishes.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a 126-102 road loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Kyrie Irving, the team's current star, has spoken about the emotional challenge of facing his former teammate, saying that he is still in a "grieving process" following the trade. Irving also acknowledged that Doncic is likely to have a lot of confidence going into the game, having played well in his last outing against the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers are a league-best 14-4 since January 15 and are sitting fourth in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks are 5-5 in their last 10 games but 5-2 in their last seven, bringing them to eighth in the West.

The game is being broadcast on TNT, with streaming available on MAX, YouTube TV, and Sling. Tip-off is at 10 p.m. ET, and fans can expect a highly competitive matchup between two of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Lakers will be looking to continue their strong form, while the Mavericks will be seeking to upset their former star and gain some momentum in the standings. Some key statistics to watch include:

• Luka Doncic's average points per game since joining the Lakers: 19.0
• Luka Doncic's average rebounds per game since joining the Lakers: 7.5
• Luka Doncic's average assists per game since joining the Lakers: 5.8
• Lakers' record since January 15: 14-4
• Mavericks' record in their last 10 games: 5-5

The situation heading into the game is one that both teams are aware of, with the narrative already written. As Irving said, "I would love to get into the emotions after the game with you, but before the game, it's just about having fun and making sure that we lock in and have a deep focus." The Lakers' coach, JJ Redick, has also spoken about the challenge of facing a former team, saying that it's going to be weird for Doncic but that he will be able to handle it. With the NBA season heating up, this matchup is one that fans will not want to miss.