While Luka Doncic’s emotional return to Dallas understandably captured much of the attention on Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers quietly achieved a significant milestone, clinching a playoff berth with a 112-97 victory over the Mavericks, as reported by Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
With a record of 49-31, the Lakers now have the opportunity to secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference by winning either their Friday home game against the Houston Rockets or their Sunday matchup in Portland.
Luka Doncic Powers Los Angeles Lakers To Clinch Playoff Spot
Doncic delivered a dominant performance in his return, leading all scorers with 45 points after the Mavericks played a heartfelt tribute video during the pregame introductions, a moment captured by Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal.
Despite the trade that sent him to Los Angeles, Dallas fans offered a warm reception, cheering enthusiastically for their former franchise player both during his introduction and throughout the game.
Reflecting on the emotional tribute, Doncic admitted to ESPN, “I don’t know how I did it. Because when I was watching that video, I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.'”
The Lakers’ acquisition of Doncic shortly before the trade deadline in February has undeniably altered their trajectory this season, establishing them as a formidable contender heading into the playoffs. Doncic joins a talented roster reminiscent of the one he led to the NBA Finals the previous year, and he appears to be in peak physical condition after overcoming earlier injury concerns.
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Alongside him, LeBron James continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 24.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 68 games leading up to Wednesday. Their combined playmaking and playoff experience form a potent duo. Austin Reaves has also emerged as a reliable third scoring option, flourishing in an expanded role under first-year coach J.J. Redick and posting career highs of 20.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 71 games.
While a mid-season trade for Mark Williams was later rescinded due to health concerns, leaving Jaxson Hayes as the primary center, the Lakers may still look to bolster their roster for the playoffs, with potential considerations for promoting either Christian Koloko or Trey Jemison to a standard contract, possibly at the expense of veteran center Alex Len.