Luka Doncic, Lakers vs. Anthony Davis, Mavs Reportedly Eyed for NBA Preseason Schedule
The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are looking at staging a preseason game in Las Vegas, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Assuming they both played, this would pit the Lakers' Luka Dončić and Mavericks' Anthony Davis against their old teams.
Los Angeles and Dallas have already crossed paths twice since executing one of the biggest midseason trades in NBA history.
The Lakers beat the Mavs 112-97, with Dončić making an emotional return to American Airlines Center on April 9.
L.A. also earned a 107-99 victory on Feb. 25 at Crypto.com Arena. An adductor strain sidelined Davis for that occasion, so he was denied the opportunity for a revenge game in enemy territory.
The Lakers and Mavericks could each look very different when the preseason is here in October.
Even assuming LeBron James returns, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round of the 2025 playoffs was a reality check for L.A. The team desperately needs a defensive-minded center along with some help on the perimeter.
Dallas couldn't get out of the Play-In Tournament and may be without Kyrie Irving as 2025-26 tips off while he recovers from a torn ACL. For a franchise in win-now mode, the Mavs are far off a championship level.
In general, veteran stars aren't expected to carry a heavy burden in the preseason. The fact this is Dončić and Davis' first full offseason with their respective teams, along with the possible turnover to their rosters, could change that equation a bit as Lakers coach JJ Redick and Mavericks coach Jason Kidd work to improve their squad's on-court chemistry.
