Luka Doncic Drops Triple-Double On Mavericks In First Reunion Since Shocking Trade To Lakers

Luka Doncic, now a part of the Lakers, unconventionally did some push-ups during his pregame routine on Tuesday, knowing his ex-general manager, Nico Harrison, was in the building and perhaps trying to send a message.

Just weeks ago, the NBA saw one of the most unexpected trades in league history go down, with Doncic (an elite talent approaching his prime) landing on a marquee squad like the Lakers.

In a tense, nicely entertaining showdown at Crypto.com Arena, LA outlasted the Mavericks, 107-99. 

After some of his highlight plays, Doncic would glance at the Dallas bench.

The 25-year-old phenom torched his former squad Tuesday, adding more salt to the wounds for Mavericks fans and proving GM Nico Harrison’s boneheaded Luka trade still looks like a disaster.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers greets Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Doncic dropped a triple-double on Dallas, tallying 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. This season, he’s averaging 28.1 points per game, which is a small step down from last year’s jaw-dropping 33.9 points per game.

With the push-ups, Doncic delivered a subtle jab at the leaked reports of Harrison trading him away for doubting the five-time All-NBA star’s motivation and fitness.

Unless a miraculous turnaround occurs, Dallas willingly fleeced themselves in the Luka Doncic trade. 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to being fouled  during the first half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

From the front office to the nosebleeds at American Airlines Center, the Mavericks remain dazed by Harrison’s backroom deal, quietly orchestrated with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, who was well on his way to being named one of the worst execs in Lakers history until the Doncic trade flipped that on its head.

The Lakers are featuring a top-five player to complement LeBron James and receiving a huge bump in national sports discussion.

Meanwhile, Nico Harrison's Mavericks are waiting for an injured Anthony Davis to return, hoping to justify the trade that landed AD, a first-round pick and Max Christie for Luka. 

Since the deal, Harrison has been persona non grata in Dallas.

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 25:  Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers greets fans after the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 25, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

And the NBA is the biggest winner in this deal as Doncic works as a jolt of adrenaline for Old Man LeBron and a cornerstone who could bring back the Lakers' appeal for a decade.

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