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Luka Doncic, Lakers to face Anthony Davis, Mavericks in Vegas

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Julian Ojeda | Last updated May 7, 2025 1:49 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are expected to face off in Las Vegas for an early preseason matchup in October, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. The meeting would mark another high-profile clash between Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, who were traded for one another in a blockbuster deal during the 2024-25 season.

The matchup will reportedly take place as part of the NBA’s growing effort to expand its preseason presence in neutral-site markets, with Las Vegas continuing to serve as a key location amid speculation about future league expansion. The potential October exhibition would also offer an early look at both franchises’ revamped rosters heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

Doncic and Davis faced each other for the first time since the February 2 trade when the Lakers visited Dallas on April 9. In his return to the American Airlines Center, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring 45 points to go with eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. He shot 16-for-28 from the field, including 7-for-10 from three-point range, helping lead Los Angeles to a 112-97 victory.

Davis, meanwhile, recorded 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and one block while shooting 5-for-13 from the floor.

Lakers set to retool with Luka Doncic as Mavericks lean on Anthony Davis amid Kyrie Irving setback

The two All-NBA players were the centerpiece of a rare in-season superstar swap that reshaped both franchises. The Lakers, who acquired Doncic to pair with LeBron James, surged late in the season but ultimately fell in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With James entering his 23rd NBA season and Doncic now established as the team’s primary star, Los Angeles faces a crucial offseason to bolster its supporting cast.

Dallas, on the other hand, narrowly missed the playoffs after falling to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second game of the Play-In Tournament. Davis, now the focal point of the Mavericks’ frontcourt, faces an uphill challenge in the upcoming season. Kyrie Irving is expected to miss a significant portion of the year due to a torn ACL suffered late in the regular season, leaving the Mavericks without their co-star for an extended stretch.

The early preseason clash could offer insight into how both teams intend to move forward. For the Lakers, it will be the first extended look at a new system built around Doncic, while the Mavericks will aim to build chemistry and continuity in Davis’ first full season in Dallas.

While details on the exact date and broadcast information have not yet been announced, the anticipated Las Vegas exhibition is already generating significant interest around the league. With two of the NBA’s biggest stars now wearing different uniforms, the preseason tilt promises to be a major storyline heading into the fall.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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