The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks square off in a game that has a major emotional tie on Tuesday, that would be superstar Luka Doncic.
The NBA’s trade season culminated in a seismic trade that sent the beloved Mavs superstar, Doncic, to L.A. in exchange for Lakers big man Anthony Davis. The trade and its unfolding ramifications have been massive, expecially for Dallas fans still left scratching their collective heads.
Just three weeks removed from the trade, Doncic will suit up for his fifth game in purple and gold. It marks the first time he faces his former team.
Follow along as USA TODAY will provide updates and highlights from what is sure to be an electric night from Los Angeles.
What time is the Lakers game tonight?
Luka Doncic suits up for the Los Angeles Lakers in his first clash with the Dallas Mavericks since the trade that sent him west. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET with coverage on TNT.
All times Eastern.
Game starts: 10 p.m. ET
Lakers vs. Mavericks TV channel: How to watch
TV channel: TNT and TruTV
Lakers vs. Mavericks stream: How to stream Luka Doncic game
The game will be carried on Max. You can also watch on Sling.
Watch NBA games on TNT with Sling
Is LeBron James playing tonight?
Yes. Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James has been upgraded to available against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. James was initially listed on the injury report for left foot injury management, an issue that sidelined him for the Lakers’ Feb. 8 win over the Indiana Pacers and the 2025 All-Star Game on Feb. 16.
Watch: Jordan releases new Luka Doncic commercial
Luka Doncic’s highly-anticipated matchup against his former team on Tuesday has spawned a new Jordan Brand advertisement. The sports apparel company released an ad that features Doncic swapping out a Texas license plate on his purple-and-yellow sports car for a California license plate, symbolizing his new home with the Los Angeles Lakers. The ad is set to the tune of George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” a nod to Doncic’s contentious departure from the Dallas Mavericks.
The ad closes with the message, ‘Full tank. No mercy.”
Doncic signed an endorsement deal with Air Jordan in December 2019.
Kyrie Irving visits Kobe and Gigi Bryant statue
Ahead of the Mavericks’ matchup against the Lakers on Tuesday, Kyrie Irving paid tribute to the late Kobe and Gigi Bryant by visiting their statue outside the Crypto.com Arena. The statue depicts Bryant kissing the top of Gianna’s head as they sat courtside at a Lakers game in December 2019, less than a month before their tragic deaths.
“(Bryant) was a genuine friend, a genuine big brother, and losing someone like that was one of the hardest things to deal with, to grieve over it,” Irving said of Bryant in November.
Why was Luka Doncic traded to the Lakers?
‘A lot happened quickly when news broke that Dončić would be joining the Lakers, with both players surfacing in their new cities within days. Then came the reports and speculation about why this deal happened, and why the Mavericks ultimately elected to move on from Dončić, a 25-year-old superstar seemingly about to enter the prime of his career. leading up to this moment. There was delight from Lakers fans, disgust from lots of Mavericks fans, and an infusion of interest and curiosity from diehard and casual NBA fans alike.’ — Mark Giannotto
Who won the Lakers-Mavericks Luka Doncic trade?
‘Luka Doncic has played four games for the Los Angeles Lakers, and Anthony Davis has played one game for the Dallas Mavericks since the blockbuster trade between the two teams involving those two All-Stars […]
‘It’s still early, and sweeping conclusions are unjustified, but so far, the Lakers have won the trade – on the court and in the court of public opinion.’ — Jeff Zillgitt
Luka Doncic stats: Points and more since joining Lakers
Games: 4
Points/Game: 19
Rebounds/Game: 7.5
Assists/Game: 5.8
FG%: 38.8
3PT%: 27.3
Minutes/Game: 27.8
Predictions for Mavericks vs. Lakers:
Sporting News: Lakers 115, Mavs 110
Sloan Piva writes, ‘LA should dictate the pace at home – it has scored 25.6 fast-break points per game over the past three games (best in the NBA in that stretch) – and we like unsung heroes like Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt to play big parts down low against the Mavs’ injury-plagued front court.
‘Don’t fall into the trap of laying the points with LA, though. Pride is at stake for Jason Kidd’s team, and the Mavs sit top-eight in a loaded West for a reason. They’re 7-1 against the spread over their past eight games, and likely pissed off after taking their worst loss in that stretch their last time out. They might not come out of Los Angeles with a win, but they also probably won’t get wiped out completely by the Don and his new family.’
DeMarcus Cousins: Luka will feast
During an appearance on television, Cousins said, ‘I know how I felt when I made my return to the team that traded me. I was a shark in bloody water. I expect nothing less from Luka. I think it’s gonna be a lot of emotion. I think it’ll be a lot of antics. And I think he’s coming out firing right away. I think he’s gonna try to make a statement.’
FanDuel: Lakers to win
FanDuel gives the Lakers a 57.9% chance of winning Tuesday’s game. Furthermore, FanDuel also points out that the Lakers have a stellar 16-10 record against the spread when playing at home.
Odds, lines for Mavericks vs. Lakers:
*All odds via BetMGM
The Los Angeles Lakers are favorites to defeat Dallas in Tuesday’s NBA matchup, according to the BetMGM basketball odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.
Odds as of Monday evening.
Spread: Lakers (-9.5)
Moneylines: Lakers (-425); Mavericks (+320)
Over/under: 230.5
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