Luka Doncic Makes History as LeBron James, Lakers Hailed By NBA Fans in Win vs. Cooper Flagg, Mavs

Luka Doncic scored 33 points against his former team as LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers knocked off Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on the road Saturday.

In his second return to Dallas since being part of the blockbuster February trade involving Anthony Davis and others, he delivered a statement performance, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach 1,500 career 3-pointers.

Doncic finished with 33 points on 8-of-15 shooting, adding eight rebounds and 11 assists to offset five turnovers as he powered the Lakers to the win. James chipped in 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Dallas rookie Flagg turned in a strong all-around effort with 16 points on 7-of-20 shooting, along with seven rebounds and six assists. Brandon Williams provided a boost off the bench with 20 points.

Anthony Davis remained sidelined after suffering ligament damage in his left hand during Dallas’ 116-114 loss to Utah on Jan. 8.

Fans praised Doncic, James and the Lakers following the road victory.

With the win, the Lakers improved to 27-17 and held onto fifth place in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks fell to 19-27, snapping a four-game winning streak and remaining on the fringe of the top 10.

Los Angeles carried a 64-52 lead into halftime behind 17 points from Doncic. Rui Hachimura added 10 points, while James was limited to four before the break. For Dallas, Flagg had six points and four assists at halftime but was held scoreless in the second quarter.

Flagg and the Mavericks had an explosive third quarter, taking an 87-79 lead into fourth after a 16-0 run and outscoring them 35-14 in the quarter. 

The Lakers rallied in the fourth, outscoring the Mavericks by 14 points to complete the comeback win.

Los Angeles will continue its road trip against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, while Dallas heads to Milwaukee for the second night of a back-to-back on Sunday.