Lakers Defeat Mavericks 107-99 in First Matchup Since Blockbuster Anthony Davis-Luka Dončić Trade

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks faced off Monday night for the first time since the stunning Feb. 2 trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić. The highly anticipated matchup, held at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, was expected to be a showcase of the teams’ new rosters, but Davis’ absence due to a left adductor strain left lingering questions about the Mavericks’ full potential.

Still, the Lakers came away with a 107-99 victory, demonstrating early cohesion with their new lineup. LeBron James led the way with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Dončić posted a triple-double in his first game against his former team.

The Trade: A Logical Fit for Both Sides

The trade represented a fundamental shift in team-building philosophies for both franchises. The Lakers, long reliant on James and Davis, sought a perimeter-oriented player to complement their inside-heavy offense. Dončić, one of the league’s most skilled playmakers, provided the perfect solution.

While James is capable of shooting from the outside, his primary strength remains attacking the paint. Adding Dončić, a guard who can space the floor, distribute the ball and provide an additional perimeter scoring threat, creates a better balance than the previous James-Davis tandem. The trade gave the Lakers a versatile backcourt weapon who offsets James more effectively, both in the short term and in the post-LeBron era.

For the Mavericks, the logic was clear as well. With an elite backcourt already featuring Kyrie Irving—one of the greatest point guards of all time—and Klay Thompson, one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in NBA history, the need for Dončić was less pressing. Instead, they prioritized frontcourt dominance by acquiring Davis, a two-way force who could anchor their defense and provide a strong interior scoring presence.

Both teams structured the trade to fit their existing strengths, setting up what could be a long-term win-win deal. However, determining which team ultimately benefits more remains uncertain. Time will tell.

Game Breakdown: Lakers 107, Mavericks 99

With Davis sidelined, Dallas lacked its newly acquired defensive anchor, making the game a test of how the Mavericks could fare without him. Meanwhile, the Lakers, despite early growing pains, looked more fluid offensively, displaying improved ball movement and floor spacing.

Irving led all scorers with 35 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 44.4% from the field and 45.5% from beyond the arc. Thompson, facing the team his father, Mychal Thompson, won championships with in the 1980s, finished with 22 points and eight rebounds, shooting 47.1% overall and 50% from deep.

However, it was not enough to overcome the Lakers’ more balanced attack.

James led the way with 27 points and 12 rebounds, shooting an efficient 64.7% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. Austin Reaves added 20 points and five assists, shooting 41.7% from the field and 37.5% from deep.

In his first game against Dallas since the trade, Dončić recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. Though his efficiency was subpar—35.3% shooting from the field and just 14.3% from beyond the arc—his impact was undeniable in controlling the game’s tempo and facilitating the offense.

Rui Hachimura also played a key role, scoring 15 points and grabbing six rebounds while shooting 50% from the floor.

Key Takeaways: What This Game Reveals

1. The Lakers’ Offense Appears More Cohesive
The Lakers’ offensive fluidity was a noticeable improvement. With Dončić at point guard, ball movement improved, and players found higher-quality looks. The James-Dončić pairing is still developing, but early signs suggest their skill sets complement each other well.


2. Dallas Needs Davis to Reach Its Ceiling
The Mavericks’ loss is not necessarily cause for concern, given that their centerpiece addition was unavailable. However, the game exposed their current vulnerability in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Davis’ return should address those issues.


3. Who Won the Trade? It’s Too Early to Say
Both teams will benefit from the deal in different ways. The Lakers have found a more natural offensive fit with Dončić, while the Mavericks are betting on Davis’ presence making them a more balanced team. The true impact will be measured in the postseason.



Looking Ahead

The next matchup between these teams could provide a clearer picture of how the trade plays out—assuming both rosters are at full strength. For now, the Lakers have secured both the first head-to-head victory and early momentum in the post-trade era.

As the season unfolds, the question remains: Did this trade reshape the NBA landscape the way both franchises envisioned? Only time will tell.