Dallas Mavericks fans are still understandably upset about Luka Doncic, arguably the greatest player in franchise history, getting traded to the Los Angeles Lakers six months ago. Unfortunately for them, Doncic just signed a three-year contract extension, which means he will be wearing the Purple and Gold for at least the next few years.
When Doncic returned to Dallas for a game on April 9 this past season, Mavericks fans showered him with lots of love. He responded by dropping 45 points on 16-of-28 field-goal shooting, eight rebounds, six assists and four assists in a 112-97 Lakers win.
The schedule for the 2025-26 NBA season hasn’t been released yet, but a few details have been leaked, and according to Marc Stein, the first Lakers-Mavericks tilt of the new season will likely take place in late November as part of group play in the Emirates NBA Cup.
The Lakers and Mavs are both in West Group B along with the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans. With their outstanding frontcourt, which includes No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg, the Mavs could make the race to win West Group B interesting.
Expect beleaguered Dallas fans to welcome Doncic back with open arms the first time the Lakers play at American Airlines Center this fall.