Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night in a highly anticipated NBA matchup that marked the reunion of several stars with their former teams. Luka Doncic squared off against Dallas for the first time since his blockbuster trade, while Anthony Davis and Max Christie returned to face the Lakers. But the night’s biggest storyline was Doncic’s fiery reaction toward his former teammates and head coach Jason Kidd.
The intensity reached another level when leaked audio captured Doncic’s heated exchange with the Mavericks’ bench and Kidd after draining a deep three-pointer. The Slovenian superstar, clearly locked in and eager to make a statement, turned toward the Dallas sideline and shouted emphatically, “That’s what I fing do… yeah!”
For Doncic, this game was more than just another regular-season matchup—it was personal. While he may not have admitted it outright, his words and actions on the court said everything that needed to be said.
Doncic’s statement performance
The Lakers closed out the game in dominant fashion, securing a 107-99 victory over the Mavericks. Doncic delivered a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, and two blocks. While his shooting efficiency wasn’t at its peak, his overall impact on the game was undeniable.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes past Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Still adjusting to life in Los Angeles, Doncic proved once again why he remains one of the most dynamic forces in the NBA. His performance sent a clear message—not just to Kidd and the Mavericks, but to the entire league: he is still among the game’s elite.
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Did the Lakers win the trade?
Given how things have unfolded, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Lakers came out on top in the blockbuster trade. While they had to part ways with Anthony Davis—arguably their second-best player—the move made sense for several reasons.
Doncic, at just 26 years old, represents the future of the franchise, ensuring the Lakers remain contenders for years to come. Meanwhile, Davis’ persistent injury struggles have already taken a toll in Dallas. In fact, he has yet to complete a full game with the Mavericks since the trade.
With Doncic leading the way, Los Angeles is positioned for sustained success, while Dallas may soon find itself questioning whether the deal was truly worth it.
