Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) holds on to the ball at the end of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Lakers' Luka Doncic makes history in return to Dallas

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 9:02 AM ET

To no surprise, Luka Doncic was not to be denied in his return to Dallas on Saturday night. In leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a much-needed 116-110 win, Doncic put up one of his best performances of the season and was even close to adding an 87th career triple-double to his all-time ledger.

Doncic, 26, now a Lakers star after initially establishing his legend during the first 6.5 years of his career with the Mavericks before a shocking trade last February, showed his former team just how dominant he can be when he's at his best.

Luka Doncic truly did it all against his former team

The six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA player scored 33 points in 39 minutes, helping the Lakers get back off the mat following a tough 112-104 loss to their crosstown rival Clippers on Thursday. Doncic was an efficient 8-for-15 from the field for 53.3% and 3-of-8 from three.

He did everything imaginable, both scoring, generating offense for others and even playing tougher than usual defense.

Game-sealing charge for Luka? Squad was LOVIN' it ️ pic.twitter.com/UDbQwRsezM
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 25, 2026

Doncic added another bullet point to his impressive resume

In fact, Doncic even made some history beyond putting on a show for those in attendance in Dallas. His three triples made him the youngest player in league history to reach 1,500 three-pointers.

Youngest player in NBA history to hit 1500 threes pic.twitter.com/xUC5XNCzoA
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 25, 2026

But of course, he did far more than just lead his team in scoring. Doncic also added 11 assists and eight rebounds, while covering a steal and blocking a shot, too.

Doncic is having an MVP-caliber season

Established as the new face of the Lakers and an MVP candidate for his play this season, Doncic is averaging 33.4 points, 8.7 assists and 7.8 boards in 35 games.

The now 27-17 Lakers are currently slotted in as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

More must-reads: