Luka Doncic's Triple-Double Fuels Lakers' Revenge Win Over Mavericks, 107-99

Luka Doncic didn't need to say a word. His game did all the talking.

In his first showdown against the Dallas Mavericks since the shocking trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Doncic delivered a statement performance - 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists - guiding his new team to a 107-99 victory on Tuesday night.

It wasn't pretty. He struggled from the field, shooting just 6-for-17, but when the game tightened, he found his rhythm where it mattered most: orchestrating the offense. His final exclamation point? A pinpoint assist to LeBron James for a dagger layup with 32 seconds left.

The win wasn't just another notch in the Lakers' belt - it was their third straight and 13th in their last 16 games. More importantly, it was personal.

Doncic, who spent his entire career in Dallas before the trade, shared embraces with his former teammates during warmups, but his focus was unshakable. Throughout the night, he shot the occasional glance toward the Mavericks' bench, a silent reminder of what they had given up.

James, sensing the gravity of the moment, stepped up in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of his 27 points to fend off a relentless Dallas squad led by Kyrie Irving's 35-point outburst and Klay Thompson's 22-point effort.

The crowd played its part, too. Lakers fans, always quick to embrace a villain, serenaded Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison with chants of "Thank you, Nico!" for orchestrating the blockbuster deal.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, sidelined with a groin injury, received a hero's welcome. The Lakers played a tribute video honoring the big man's years in L.A., and he responded with a double-armed salute to the roaring crowd.

For Doncic, this night was about more than just another triple-double - his 81st career masterpiece, seventh-most in NBA history. It was about proving a point. The Mavericks may have traded him away, but in Los Angeles, he's already writing his next chapter.

Both teams are back in action Thursday - Dallas hosts Charlotte, while the Lakers take on Minnesota at home.