Not Luka Doncic: NBA legend Magic Johnson names the true hero in Lakers' win over Dallas

Wednesday night’s matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers featured a number of compelling storylines. Chief among them was Luka Doncic’s return to the American Airlines Center following the unexpected trade in February. The Slovenian guard received a warm welcome from fans and also delivered an impressive performance on the court. NBA legend Magic Johnson took notice.

“Luka’s homecoming was special!” Johnson wrote in a post on his official X account, where he has more than 5.2 million followers. “He put on a spectacular show of his talent, scoring 31 points by halftime and 45 points overall, and received a rousing standing ovation from Mavericks fans before the game and at the end.”

Magic praised Doncic not only for his remarkable 45-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist showing during his 38 minutes on the court, but also for what he represents as a symbol for the Mavericks—evident in the affection shown from fans to the Slovenian guard.

Still, the five-time NBA champion pointed to another Lakers player as the driving force behind the victory in Dallas. “The true hero tonight was LeBron James,” Johnson declared. “He dominated the fourth quarter with 13 points to seal the victory for the Lakers!”

Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

LeBron lived up to his word

Before the game, LeBron James spoke about his Lakers teammate Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas, comparing it to his own experience in Cleveland. When asked about what the Slovenian guard was likely to face and how the team could support him through it, the 40-year-old star was clear: “I think winning will be the best solution… If we do our job on the floor, then we’ll help him tremendously.”

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James backed up his statement and delivered exactly what was needed at the American Airlines Center to lock in the Lakers’ win. He finished the night with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, but as Magic Johnson emphasized, it was his execution in the fourth quarter that proved pivotal.

The Lakers inch closer to the playoffs

The matchup in Dallas was crucial for the Los Angeles Lakers as they approached the final stretch of the 2024–25 regular season. With the win, they held on to third place in the standings and capitalized on the unexpected loss by the Golden State Warriors to widen the gap over the seventh spot.

Now, with only two games remaining—against the already playoff-bound Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers—the Lakers appear to have their postseason ticket all but punched. Once there, it will be time to show they’re truly ready to contend.