Luka Doncic Leads Lakers Rally Past Mavericks in Dallas With 33 Point Performance

Dallas — Luka Doncic scored 33 points and dished out 11 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers erased a 15 point deficit in the final 7 minutes to defeat the Dallas Mavericks 116 to 110 on Saturday night, completing a dramatic comeback in Doncic’s second game in Dallas since joining Los Angeles.

The win marked another late game surge for the Lakers, who leaned on execution and shot making down the stretch after trailing most of the second half. LeBron James finished with 17 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, providing timely scoring after a quiet start. Rui Hachimura delivered the turning point with a four point play followed by a three pointer on the next possession, pushing Los Angeles ahead for good.

Hachimura’s three pointer gave the Lakers a 108 to 106 lead and sparked an 11 to 2 run that shifted momentum entirely. Doncic capped the run with a driving layup to extend the lead to eight, effectively sealing the outcome. The sequence underscored Los Angeles’ ability to close games late during its current road stretch.

Dallas had controlled much of the game after halftime. The Mavericks outscored the Lakers 41 to 14 from the start of the third quarter into the early stages of the fourth, flipping a 13 point deficit into a 14 point advantage. A 20 to 4 opening burst in the third quarter set the tone, and Brandon Williams scored 8 points during a 10 to 2 run late in the period. Dallas led by as many as 15 with under 7 minutes remaining before the Lakers responded.

Max Christie led the Mavericks with 24 points, continuing his strong stretch of play. Naji Marshall added 21 points and 11 rebounds as Dallas saw its season best four game winning streak come to an end. Williams finished with 20 points, providing a scoring lift off the bench.

Doncic was efficient at the line, converting 14 of 15 free throws, and remained composed throughout the closing stretch. Unlike his emotional return to Dallas last season, this visit featured fewer pregame distractions and a sharper on court focus as he directed the Lakers offense when it mattered most.

The victory improved Los Angeles’ outlook midway through its longest road trip of the season, an eight game swing that reaches its midpoint Monday in Chicago. For Dallas, the loss sends the Mavericks to Milwaukee on Sunday as they look to quickly reset following a missed opportunity to close out a statement home win.

The latest result highlights the Lakers’ late game resilience and the Mavericks’ need to tighten execution in closing minutes, a theme that could shape both teams as the season progresses and playoff positioning begins to sharpen.