Luka Doncic has arrived at Crypto.com Arena ahead of the Lakers’ hugely-anticipated game against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks.
The two teams meet just over three weeks on from the bombshell trade that shocked the world.
In one of the most remarkable deals in NBA history, the Lakers sent Anthony Davis, a 2029 first-round pick and Max Christie to the Mavericks, in exchange for Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
The two teams collide on Tuesday night in Los Angeles and Doncic was seen walking into Crypto.com Arena around three hours before tip-off.
But Davis was nowhere to be seen, with the forward out for the time being with a left adductor strain. Both players brought existing health issues to their new teams.
Doncic has been battling a calf injury but he had his best game with the Lakers in a convincing 123-100 road victory against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Doncic had a team-high 32 points and added 10 rebounds in the victory.
Luka Doncic has arrived at Crypto.Com Arena ahead of the Lakers’ game vs. the Mavericks
The Lakers are 2-2 since Doncic has been on the court alongside fellow star LeBron James.
‘You can see it, me smiling on the court, having fun,” Doncic told reporters after the victory over the Nuggets, while admitting there has been an obvious adjustment period.
James was full of praise for Doncic following the win. ‘He was very locked in on what he wanted to do out (there),’ the NBA legend said.
‘He was just dialed in on what he wanted to do and how he wanted to execute his game plan individually.’
Doncic has averaged 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists in a Lakers uniform, while James has averaged 28.7 points with 8.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists in seven games since the deal was announced.
