The Los Angeles Lakers took care of the Dallas Mavericks, 112-97, April 9, in Luka Doncic's return to keep Phoenix in the play-in chase. Doncic scored 45 points in his first game in Dallas since the blockbuster deal before the 2024-25 trade involving Anthony Davis sent him to the Lakers.

The Mavericks are hosting Dončić and the Lakers for the first time since the stunning trade, giving Dallas fans their first chance to see their franchise's former star player back at American Airlines Center. Dončić squared off with his former team in February in L.A., posting a 19-point triple-double in a Lakers win.

Luka Doncic scored 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles, helping the Lakers wrap up a playoff spot with a 112-97 victory over the Mavericks on Wednesday night