Luka Doncic Poised for Dallas Return as Lakers Face Mavericks
NBA superstar Luka Doncic is expected to take the court on January 24, 2026, when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Slovenian guard, who is not listed on the official injury report, will lead the Lakers alongside veteran forward LeBron James as the team navigates a challenging short-handed rotation.
Doncic's Dominant History Against Former Team
This matchup marks another emotional return to Dallas for Doncic, where he spent the formative years of his professional career before his high-profile trade to Los Angeles. Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has faced his former team three times and emerged victorious in all three encounters. His most memorable performance came during his first game against the Mavericks post-trade, where he exploded for 45 points in a spectacular display of offensive prowess.
Doncic enters this game averaging 33.4 points per game, which currently stands as the highest scoring average in the entire NBA. His consistency against Dallas has been particularly impressive this season, highlighted by a 35-point, 11-assist performance during their previous meeting in Los Angeles.
January Scoring Surge and Statistical Dominance
The 26-year-old guard has been on an absolute tear throughout January, scoring at least 30 points in seven of his last ten games. Over this remarkable stretch, Doncic is averaging:
- 33.3 points per game
- 8.6 assists per game
- 6.8 rebounds per game
- 3.5 three-pointers per game
This statistical dominance has positioned Doncic as a leading candidate for MVP consideration, with his scoring efficiency and playmaking abilities reaching new heights.
Lakers Navigating Significant Injury Challenges
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a precarious position due to multiple injuries affecting their rotation. The team will be without two key contributors:
- Austin Reaves: Ruled out with a left calf strain
- Adou Thiero: Out with a right MCL sprain
With these absences, the offensive burden will fall heavily on the shoulders of Doncic and James. Fortunately for Lakers fans, James has been available and productive in recent games, providing crucial support in balancing the offensive workload.
Mavericks Dealing With Extensive Injury List
The Dallas Mavericks are confronting their own injury crisis, with several core players sidelined for various durations:
- Anthony Davis: Out with hand/finger injury
- Kyrie Irving: Out with ACL injury
- Dereck Lively II: Out for season following surgery
- Dante Exum: Out for season with knee injury
- Daniel Gafford: Probable with ankle issue
- Moussa Cisse: Questionable due to illness
On a positive note for Dallas, rookie sensation Cooper Flagg has returned from an ankle injury and contributed to recent victories against the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors.
What's at Stake in This Crucial Matchup
Both teams enter this contest leaning heavily on their star players due to depleted rosters. The Lakers have demonstrated resilience on the road this season, while Dallas has maintained competitiveness in home games despite their injury challenges. With limited depth available on both sides, the outcome will likely hinge on how effectively Doncic and James can establish early control of the game.
The emotional backdrop adds another layer to this matchup, as Dallas fans continue to show appreciation for Doncic despite the circumstances surrounding his departure. The combination of personal history, statistical excellence, and team necessity creates a compelling narrative for this January showdown between Western Conference rivals.
