The highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on November 28, 2025 did not disappoint. It was a game that had been circled on the calendar since February 2, 2025, when Anthony Davis was finally healthy enough to return to the court. And what a return it was, as he faced off against the team that had not been fully committed to him – the Mavericks.
The Lakers, who had acquired Davis in a blockbuster trade, were hosting him for the first time since the trade. The stakes were relatively low, as both teams had already secured their spots in the playoffs. However, this game was more than just a regular season matchup – it was a statement game for both teams.
The Lakers, led by Davis and LeBron James, were determined to show the Mavericks what they were missing out on. On the other hand, the Mavericks, led by rising star Luka Doncic, were eager to prove that they were a force to be reckoned with, even without Davis on their roster.
The game started off with a bang, as both teams came out firing on all cylinders. The Lakers, with their star-studded lineup, took an early lead, but the Mavericks quickly caught up thanks to Doncic’s impressive playmaking skills. The first quarter ended with the Lakers holding a slim lead of 32-30.
The second quarter saw a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, with neither one able to gain a significant advantage. Davis, who was playing in front of his home crowd for the first time in months, looked like he had never left. He was dominant on both ends of the court, scoring at will and shutting down the Mavericks’ offense. At halftime, the Lakers held a slight lead of 58-54.
The third quarter was when the Lakers started to pull away. James, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, came alive and put on a show for the fans. He was hitting shots from all over the court and making it look effortless. The Mavericks, on the other hand, struggled to keep up with the Lakers’ pace. Doncic, who had been carrying the team on his back, looked fatigued and was unable to make the same impact as he did in the first half. The Lakers ended the third quarter with a comfortable lead of 89-75.
The fourth quarter was a formality, as the Lakers had already established their dominance. Davis and James continued to put on a show, while the Mavericks’ offense continued to sputter. The Lakers’ bench players were able to get some valuable playing time, and they did not disappoint. The final score was 112-94 in favor of the Lakers.
Davis finished the game with an impressive stat line of 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks. James, who had a slow start, ended up with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. Doncic, who had a stellar first half, finished with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. Despite his efforts, the Mavericks were unable to keep up with the Lakers’ star duo.
The Lakers’ victory over the Mavericks was not just a win on the scoreboard, but it was also a statement win. It showed that the Lakers were a force to be reckoned with, and that they were serious contenders for the NBA championship. It also showed that Davis was worth every penny of the trade, and that the Mavericks had made a mistake by not going all-in on him.
The game also highlighted the growing rivalry between Davis and Doncic. Both players are considered to be the future of the NBA, and their matchup did not disappoint. It was a battle between two of the best players in the league, and it was a treat for the fans to watch.
In the end, the Lakers’ victory over the Mavericks was a testament to their talent and determination. It was a game that had been eagerly awaited by fans and players alike, and it lived up to the hype. The Lakers showed that they were a force to be reckoned with, and that they were serious contenders for the NBA championship. As for the Mavericks, they will have to regroup and come back stronger in their next matchup against the Lakers.