Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Lakers make huge Dallas Mavericks announcement

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:50 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers will be heavily connected to each other for as long as Luka Doncic remains a Laker. February's stunning trade between the two makes any matchup between the two sides a must-watch.

Rumors persisted since the season ended for both teams, with the Mavericks missing the playoffs and the Lakers bowing out in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves, that Dallas and LA would meet in the preseason. The Lakers confirmed that by releasing their preseason schedule on Monday.

The Lakers announced their preseason schedule and will play the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena on October 15th. They will also play the Phoenix Suns on October 3rd in the Greater Palm Springs area, the Golden State Warriors in LA on October 12th, and the Sacramento Kings in LA on October 17th.

Lakers preseason hoops coming soon ️@Delta x #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/ppiHGnZVJQ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 2, 2025

The Mavericks playing in a game in Las Vegas won't help the rumors that the team is looking to move there eventually, something that started circulating after the wild Luka Doncic trade, but the new ownership group is committed to keeping the team in Dallas, the NBA wants them in Dallas, and they're working to build a new arena in the area.

In the last matchup between these teams, Luka Doncic made his first return to Dallas and lit up the Mavericks for 45 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. It was an emotional game, one that saw Doncic crying on the bench before the game and the crowd cheering more for him than they did the Mavs.

Dallas has not announced its full preseason schedule yet.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: