Luka Doncic on facing LeBron James on Christmas: “It was amazing, especially the primetime in Slovenia"
Luka Doncic revealed his experience of going up against LeBron James on Christmas Day for the first time since the Dallas Mavericks' 124-115 win over the LA Lakers. Doncic was in awe of facing James in his 20th season, who is still playing well at this stage. Here's what he said about this (via Callie Caplan):
“It was amazing, especially the primetime in Slovenia. All my friends and family can watch. … It’s amazing to see him play and just go against him. It’s incredible.”
Luka Doncic on facing LeBron James on Christmas: “It was amazing, especially the primetime in Slovenia. All my friends and family can watch. … It’s amazing to see him play and just go against him. It’s incredible.”
More from a historic day in Dallas:
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James and Doncic are two of the most box-office players in the NBA. They ensured they justified receiving a Christmas Day game against each other by putting up dominant performances in their duel. James finished with 38 points, six rebounds, and five assists on 56.5% shooting, while Doncic bagged 32 points, nine rebounds and nine assists on 50.0% shooting.
Luka Doncic's Mavericks make a stellar comeback over LeBron James and Co. in Christmas Day win
LeBron James and the Lakers got ahead in the first half and led by 14 points at one stage. However, Luka Doncic got the last laugh as the Mavericks won the tie on the back of a 51-point third quarter, overturning an 11-point halftime deficit into a 21-point lead.
James waged a lone battle for the Lakers. No other player scored 20 or more, while only two registered double-digit scores. Meanwhile, Christian Wood's 30-point night and Tim Hardaway Jr.'s 26-point effort complemented Doncic's 30-point game.
The LA Lakers' lack of shooting once again haunted them. They went 9-of-28 from deep, while the Dallas Mavericks were 18-of-44. The Lakers were only comfortable until the first half when the Mavericks were 5-of-22 from deep.
GM Rob Pelinka and Co. need to address their roster needs, or else, the 13-20 Lakers are likely staring at a second consecutive season without playoff basketball. They are already without Anthony Davis (sidelined indefinitely), so a lack of movement in the trade market will likely push them further out of the play-in tournament and playoff picture.