Doncic posts triple-double for LA Lakers against former team Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic had 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists in his first game against the Dallas Mavericks since they traded him to the Lakers, leading Los Angeles to a 107-99 victory on Tuesday night.

Doncic secured his first triple-double with the Lakers on an emotional night for the Slovenian superstar, who was blindsided by the seismic trade sending him to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis three weeks ago.

Doncic warmly greeted his former teammates, but also took a few portentous looks at the Mavs’ bench during the night. He struggled with his shot, going six of 17, but capped a superb playmaking performance with an assist to LeBron James for a clinching lay-up with 32 seconds left.

James helped his new teammate by scoring 16 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter while Los Angeles held on for its third straight win and its 13th in 16 games.

Kyrie Irving scored 35 points and Klay Thompson added 22 for the Mavericks.

Davis (abdomen), the key component in the trade package from the Lakers, did not play for the ninth time in 10 games since the deal became official. Dallas was also without fellow big men Daniel Gafford (knee) and Dereck Lively II (ankle).