The NBA regular season is quickly coming to an end.
As things sit, the Los Angeles Lakers are the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
They had the chance to create some separation in the standings in Oklahoma City Tuesday night, but failed to do so.
At 48-31, the Lakers are one game up on their crosstown rival Los Angeles Clippers, but that could change if the Lakers drop any of their next three games.
They travel to Dallas for a clash with the Mavericks on Wednesday evening, set to be broadcast nationwide on ESPN.
Doncic's team turned down the Mavericks' proposal.
The matchup with the Mavericks will mark Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas for the first time since the Lakers pulled off what many consider to be the most significant trade ever in NBA history.
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They traded Anthony Davis to Dallas and got Doncic in return.
Although Doncic has experienced both highs and lows adjusting to his new role with the Lakers, one cannot overlook the exceptional skill shared between him and LeBron James at an elite level.
According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon The Mavericks had several strategies planned out for Doncic's comeback.
According to team insiders speaking to ESPN, the Mavericks were set to secure substantial sponsorship agreements for Wednesday’s match, involving several firms that back Doncic. However, these arrangements collapsed when Doncic's representatives refused their approval, specifically stating that he currently plays for the Lakers, as noted by MacMahon.
Perhaps it’s for the best. People tend to make this kind of incident into a big show, something Doncic might want to steer clear from following his ejection during the team's defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
Given that Doncic was caught off guard by the trade and did not request to leave Dallas, the crowd is expected to warmly receive him.
Dončić played a key role in guiding the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, though they ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics.
MORE LAKERS NEWS
- Luka Doncic shares honest thoughts on his comeback to Dallas following the Mavericks trading him to the Lakers.
- Lakers listed as one of the top contenders to secure Nikola Jokic after Nuggets make significant coaching choice
- Lakers' Austin Reaves draws a remarkable parallel to a Hall of Fame legend.