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On Tuesday night, Luka Doncic faced off against the Dallas Mavericks for the first time since being traded to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Following the game, LeBron James offered words of wisdom after Doncic's debut matchup against his former team. The matchup carried plenty of intrigue, with both teams adjusting to their new identities after the league-altering trade.
Despite the emotions surrounding the game, Doncic put on a stellar performance, notching a triple-double in his first game against the Mavericks. However, the night wasn’t without its struggles.
Doncic picked up a technical foul within the first two minutes of the game, showing his visible frustration with a no-call. James, now his veteran teammate, understands that these moments are part of the process for any great player.
“I think the best teacher in life is experience,” James said per Ramona Shelburne. “When you first start off, you're not great, but that's your aspiration, that's your goal. You want to become great, but you have to go through adverse moments.”
Doncic admitted the emotions of the night weighed on him.
“I'm glad this game is over,” he said. “There was a lot of emotions. But we go little by little, and every day is better.”
The Lakers secured a 107-99 win, with Doncic finishing with 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, and two blocks. While his efficiency wasn’t at its peak, his impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable. Meanwhile, Mavericks' Anthony Davis never got a proper opportunity in Dallas before suffering an abductor injury his first game.
As Doncic settles into life as a Laker, he’ll have LeBron as his mentor—someone who has navigated the pressures of being a franchise cornerstone. While your first game against your former team is never easy, LeBron James’ message was clear. Adversity fuels greatness.
