LeBron James Reflects on Facing Former Teammates and Coaches as Lakers Top Mavericks
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LOS ANGELES — Nov. 28, 2025 — LeBron James admitted Tuesday night’s matchup with the Dallas Mavericks felt different. The Los Angeles Lakers star was surrounded by familiar faces on the opposing bench and floor, a by-product of last season’s blockbuster deal that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles and shipped Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas.
“Going against your old team, your old teammates, your old coaching staff, there’s always emotion,” James said after the game at Crypto.com Arena. “I won a championship with Frank Vogel, J-Kidd, Phil Handy, Mike Pemberthy. I won another one with Kyrie [Irving]. And then you look over and see AD, DLo, Max — it’s a lot.”
The Lakers managed those feelings and secured a 10-point victory. James, still regaining conditioning after an injury absence, finished with 13 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Doncic, facing the organization that drafted him, scored 35 points and handed out 11 assists in the loss.
Davis, returning from a calf strain, added 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks for Dallas. Christie contributed 13 points. Former Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, who signed with the Mavericks over the summer to help offset Irving’s injury, also saw time against his previous club.
The Mavericks’ staff features several coaches with ties to the Lakers’ 2020 championship, including head coach Jason Kidd, further deepening the connections between the franchises. Despite the reunions, James emphasized that winning remains his priority regardless of lineup changes or personal history.
The Lakers improved their record to 11-6, while the Mavericks fell to 9-8. The teams will meet twice more this regular season, ensuring additional chapters in a rivalry reshaped by last year’s trade.
Source: Lakers Nation
