Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks are looking to make amends for their brutal 2022-23 season when the new campaign gets underway this week. Doncic is hoping that he and running mate Kyrie Irving will be able to form one of the most lethal backcourts in the NBA to help get the Mavs into championship contention in 2023-24.

With two of the most lethal players with the basketball in the NBA, some have wondered how Irving and Doncic will be able to play off of one another or share ball-handling responsibilities as teammates.

However, Doncic does not buy into those concerns

“I talked with Kai about it,” said Doncic, per Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com. “We’re going to exchange handling the ball. Say, for example, if it’s a free throw maybe I get the ball. But when it’s like not stoppage (a missed shot), he’s going to take it.”

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will hope to recapture some of the magic that Irving was able to create with LeBron James during his time as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although James and Irving both theoretically need the ball in their hands to be effective, the duo was able to find ways to play off of one another and create a nearly unstoppable offense, making three Finals appearances and winning a championship in the process.

Where the Mavs will have the most concern is on defense, as neither Irving nor Doncic profiles as a plus defender. Dallas opens its season against the San Antonio Spurs on October 25.