You could feel the electricity in the air for this one. November 28, 2025, wasn't just another game on the calendar; it was a primetime showdown packed with maximum drama. The main event? Luka Dončić, the new face of the Lakers, facing his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, for the first time since that blockbuster trade. Thankfully, all the pre-game chatter about his availability was put to rest—Luka was cleared, available, and ready to play.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 129-119, securing their 6th consecutive win.
- ✓ Austin Reaves exploded for a game-high 38 points on a hyper-efficient 12-of-15 shooting.
- ✓ In his reunion game, Luka Dončić put up a brilliant 35 points and 11 assists for the Lakers.
- ✓ The victory gave the Lakers a perfect 4-0 record in the NBA Cup group stage, setting up a knockout match against the Spurs.
- ✓ Anthony Davis returned for the Mavericks, scoring 12 points after missing 14 games with a calf strain.
A Blockbuster Reunion with Everything on the Line
Let's be real, this matchup felt like it was ripped from a movie script. Since being traded to L.A. in February for Anthony Davis and a haul of draft assets, the Slovenian phenom has completely revitalized the Lakers' offense. Coming into this game, he was on an absolute tear, averaging a league-best 35.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists through 13 games. The Lakers were riding high on a five-game winning streak with a stellar 13-4 record.
On the other side of the court, the narrative couldn't be more different. The Mavericks have been struggling to find their footing since the trade, limping into Crypto.com Arena with a rough 5-14 record. The emotional weight of Luka’s return, combined with the high stakes of the NBA Cup, set the stage for a truly explosive night. This wasn't just about a win; it was about pride, proving who won the trade, and so much more.
A Tale of Two Injury Reports
The health of the two squads told a huge part of the story heading into the game. The Lakers rolled in nearly at full strength. Besides Luka being good to go, they had a breakout star in Austin Reaves (averaging 27.9 points!), the veteran presence of LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton, who was cleared after a knee contusion scare. The only real question mark was Marcus Smart, who was listed as doubtful with back spasms.
Dallas, however, was a completely different story. They were severely depleted. Key players like Kyrie Irving (knee injury) and Dereck Lively II (foot issue) were sidelined, and Dante Exum was already ruled out for the season. This forced rookies like Cooper Flagg into massive roles, including the unenviable task of trying to guard Dončić. The big news for the Mavs was the return of Anthony Davis, who was back after missing 14 games with a calf strain, bringing his 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds back into the lineup.
The Game Itself: A Back-and-Forth Thriller
From the jump, the Lakers looked to take control. Luka was aggressive early, finishing the first quarter with 10 points and helping his team build a 28-22 lead. It seemed like the Lakers' momentum was just going to keep rolling. When Luka went to the bench to start the second, Austin Reaves immediately took charge, scoring 5 quick points to push the lead further.
But then, the Mavericks flipped a switch. They came roaring back with a massive comeback, fueled by incredible performances from PJ Washington and the young Cooper Flagg. Dallas exploded for an unbelievable 40 points in the second quarter alone. They completely turned the tide, erasing the deficit and actually taking a 62-60 lead into halftime. The home crowd was stunned; we had a real fight on our hands.
L.A.'s Stars Regain Control
Coming out of the half, you knew the Lakers were going to respond. And boy, did they. The duo of Dončić and Reaves simply took over the third quarter, making plays all over the court. There was one particularly amazing highlight where Luka fired a super long pass to a cutting LeBron James for an easy dunk. L.A. methodically clawed their way back, outscoring the Mavs and regaining the lead to end the quarter up 98-94.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. Dallas refused to go away, keeping the game incredibly close. They even managed to take the lead at one point, making it a true thriller down the stretch. With just five minutes left, the Lakers were clinging to an 8-point lead, but the game still felt like it could go either way. In the end, though, the Lakers' star power and consistent execution were just too much for the undermanned Mavericks.
The Final Numbers Tell the Tale
When the final buzzer sounded, the Lakers had secured a hard-fought 129-119 victory. It was their sixth win in a row and cemented a perfect 4-0 record in the group stage of the inaugural NBA Cup. As the No. 2 seed in the West, they’re now set to face the No. 3 seed San Antonio Spurs in the knockout round. It was a statement win that showed just how dangerous this team can be.
While Luka’s 35 points and 11 assists against his old team were spectacular, Austin Reaves was the undeniable star of the night. He was on another level, leading all scorers with an incredible 38 points on just 15 shots. As for Anthony Davis, his return was solid. In just 28 minutes of action, he finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks—a respectable line for someone shaking off the rust from a long layoff.
Conclusion
What a night. The reunion game lived up to every bit of the hype, delivering drama, incredible performances, and a thrilling finish. While the Mavericks showed a ton of heart and even led at halftime, the combined firepower of Luka Dončić and an absolutely scorching hot Austin Reaves was simply too much to handle. The Lakers not only won their sixth straight but also proved they are a legitimate force in the West, moving on in the NBA Cup with a perfect record.
