Luka Dončić led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-99 victory over his former team, the Dallas Mavericks.
Dončić recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, marking his first such achievement since joining the Lakers three weeks prior.
The game was emotionally charged, with Dončić displaying visible intensity, including moments where he stared down the Mavericks’ bench and engaged in disputes over calls, resulting in a technical foul early in the game.  Despite these distractions, he made crucial plays, including important 3-pointers that extended the Lakers’ lead.
LeBron James contributed significantly with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura added 20 and 15 points, respectively. On the Mavericks’ side, Kyrie Irving led with 35 points, and Klay Thompson added 22 points.
This victory improved the Lakers’ record to 3-2 since acquiring Dončić and 13-3 since January 21, positioning them as strong contenders in the league. 
STORY BY SALIFU ZAKARI ZEBA
