Luka Doncic drops ‘special’ admission on playing against Mavericks

Doncic and his Lakers defeated the Mavericks, 129-119. Doncic finished his night with 35 points and 11 assists. It has been a very special season for Doncic, who is averaging 35 points a game this season.

The Lakers are now 14-4 on the year. Dallas meanwhile is struggling through a 5-15 season. The Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison earlier this season, who was responsible for trading Doncic to the Lakers.

That infamous trade that sent Doncic to Los Angeles, also sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. While Davis has been banged up consistently since joining the Mavericks, he did play on Friday night. Davis finished the game with 12 points and five rebounds.

Mavericks fans found it very hard to lose Doncic. The Dallas franchise saw protests outside the arena last season due to the infamous trade, that also involved other players. Mavericks fans remain angry that Doncic is playing so well in Los Angeles, while Davis has struggled.

Davis received a warm reception though from L.A. fans on Friday.

“In his return from a 14-game absence with a strained calf, Davis received a loud, warm reception from Lakers fans when introduced with the Mavs’ starters. The big man is beloved in LA after teaming up with James for a championship run during 5 1/2 seasons with the Lakers,” an Associated Press report said.

Davis could also end up leaving the Mavericks at some point soon. The Detroit Pistons are rumored to be interested in trading for him, as well as some other teams.