Any meeting between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks just means a little bit more thanks to the Luka Doncic trade. Aside from Doncic playing his former team, Anthony Davis and Max Christie are former Lakers playing their former team, not to mention numerous members of the Dallas coaching staff including head coach Jason Kidd and assistant Frank Vogel.
Add in top overall pick Cooper Flagg, the player who will be tasked with being the next face of the Mavericks franchise, and the storylines are seemingly endless. But on Friday night it was Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the Lakers to a 129-119 victory over the Mavericks in the final group stage game of the Emirates NBA Cup.
Luka finished with 35 points and 11 assists in his second game against his former team. Of course, this time things were far less emotionally charged than his return to Dallas last season, but the Lakers star admitted that playing the Mavericks will alway mean something.
“I would say it’s a little bit easier now,” Doncic said after the win. “Like I said, games against Dallas always have some special meaning to me. I still have a lot of friends there. At the same point, it’s some fun, but it’s always special. Like I said, it will always be special for me.”
Doncic’s connection with the Mavericks franchise and the city of Dallas will always make these games just a little bit different. But after getting the first one out of the way, things will get a bit easier for Luka every time.
Aside from Doncic, it was Reaves who was dominant for the Lakers with a game-high 38 points. For the Mavericks, eyes continue to be on Flagg who was one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory and he was solid with 13 points and 11 assists. And Luka believes the forward will be a great player in this league.
“I think he’s a good player,” Doncic added. “Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with the first pick. He has a lot on his shoulders. But I think he will be a great player.”
Just being the top pick puts a lot of pressure on Flagg, but, fair or not, he is also looked at as the replacement for Doncic as the Mavericks’ franchise player. The potential is certainly there and Luka sees it as well and feels it is only a matter of time before he reaches that level.
Lakers to host Spurs in Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals
The Lakers had already clinched West Group B, but this victory over the Mavericks gave them an undefeated 4-0 record in group play and they now know they will host the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
