Luka Doncic’s return to American Airlines Center, his old stomping grounds before the Dallas Mavericks traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers three months ago, in April was an emotional game. The Lakers emerged victorious by a final score of 112-97, and Doncic dropped 45 points on 16-of-28 overall shooting and 7-of-10 from 3-point range, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals.
The game also got outstanding ratings. It was reportedly the most-watched NBA game on ESPN to that point of the season, excluding Christmas Day, as well as the most-watched television program that day across several key demographic groups.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the two teams will go at it again this October during the preseason schedule, this time in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas has long been one site that regularly hosts Lakers preseason games, which has given Purple and Gold fans outside of the Southland a chance to see their favorite team in person.
By the time the Lakers play the Mavs in that exhibition contest, they may have a complete roster that will be fully capable of winning the NBA championship. They will look to upgrade their center rotation, as well as their guard and wing depth, this offseason, and building a team for and around Doncic in particular appears to be their top priority moving forward.
Doncic can opt out of his current contract in the summer of 2026, so showing him that they’re committed to helping him finally win it all is job one for the Lakers.
