Jan 7, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Naji Marshall taunts LeBron James after tough bucket in Mavericks-Lakers

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 11:17 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks played in Los Angeles against the Lakers on Tuesday night for the first time since the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade. While the headlines were around Doncic's revenge game, there was still a basketball game to be played.

In the second quarter, Mavericks forward Naji Marshall ran through LeBron James on his way to a bucket, then hit LeBron with the "too small" gesture as he ran back up the floor. This was Marshall's only made field goal of the first half, but it's a good one to have.

Naji Marshall hit LeBron James with the ‘too small’

pic.twitter.com/wih8TBEr0T
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 26, 2025

The Mavericks sought out Naji Marshall during the offseason to get this type of energy on the team, someone who isn't going to back down from the biggest stars in the NBA. He's an extremely versatile player, capable of defending every player on the floor, while a refined offensive game has helped him get buckets inside.

Dallas is behind 59-51 at halftime against the Lakers as they try to prove that they can win without Luka Doncic and some injuries to their frontcourt. This game has had plenty of emotion and tension, something Lakers coach JJ Redick says Doncic thrives in.

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

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