DALLAS — Luka Doncic returns to Dallas for the first time since February’s blockbuster trade as the Los Angeles Lakers face the Mavericks today – Wednesday, April 9 – at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. Eastern (6:30 p.m. Central).
Fans who’ve cut the cord on cable can stream the game on Fubo or DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial.
The Lakers (48-31, third in the West) have split their last 10 games, including a 136-120 road loss to the Thunder Tuesday night. With three games left to play, Los Angeles is one game ahead of the rival Clippers, who have won 15 of their last 18 games.
Doncic, who was drafted by the Mavericks back in 2018, is averaging 27.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists while shooting 44.2% from the field. He was swapped with Anthony Davis two months ago as part of a blockbuster trade that left the league stunned.
NBA all-time leading scorer LeBron James is averaging 24.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.9 rebounds while shooting 51.2% from the field.
The Mavericks (38-41, 10th in the West) have lost two games in a row, but due to the inept play of the Phoenix Suns (seven straight losses), appear to have locked up a spot in the play-in tournament. Dallas’ most recent loss was a 21-point rout courtesy of the red-hot Clippers.
Davis (adductor strain) is listed as probable for the emotional matchup. He is averaging 25 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 51.8% from the field.
P.J. Washington is averaging 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field.
The Mavericks are without star guard Kyrie Irving, who suffered a torn ACL one month ago.
This is the third and final regular season meeting between the teams. Dallas won the first two matchup before the trade and Los Angeles claimed the rematch after the swap. The Lakers are 18-21 on the road while the Mavericks are 21-17 at home.
