Luka Doncic Sparks Lakers’ Late Rally to Edge Mavericks 116-110 in Dallas
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Dallas, TX – Jan. 24, 2026 — Luka Doncic’s first visit of the season to his former arena ended with a statement win, as the Los Angeles Lakers overturned a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the short-handed Dallas Mavericks 116-110 at American Airlines Center.
Los Angeles controlled the first half and carried a 65-52 advantage into the break, but Dallas answered with a 35-14 third period to seize an eight-point lead entering the final quarter. The margin ballooned to 15 with just over seven minutes remaining before the Lakers tightened defensively and closed the game on a decisive run.
Doncic finished with 33 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. After the game, he acknowledged the emotional weight of competing in Dallas following last season’s trade. “It’s a special place,” he said. “I want to win every game, but this one’s a little bit different.” He also thanked fans who braved a winter storm to attend.
Head coach JJ Redick praised the superstar’s late-game defense, citing several key stops that fueled the comeback. The effort helped Los Angeles secure an important victory in a tightly packed Western Conference race.
Dallas was led onto the floor by rookie forward Cooper Flagg, who embraced Doncic at the final horn. The Mavericks could not hold their second-half surge, falling to the Lakers for the second time this season.
The teams will meet again on Mar. 12 in Los Angeles.
Source: lakersnation.com
