Luka Doncic

The stars were out in full force in game two of the NBA's Christmas Day slate as LeBron James and Luka Doncic put on a show in the Dallas Mavericks' 124-115 ...

For the sixth-straight game, Wood was in the starting lineup for the Mavericks, and it was perhaps his best game in a Mavericks uniform. Wood's in the final year of his contract, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but if the Mavericks want to keep the big man past this season, signing him to a contract now may be the better option, because if he continues to improve the price will only climb. The Lakers worked up a 14-point lead on two separate occasions in the first half, but once Dallas started catching fire from deep out of halftime, L.A. We already knew James was going to have to do it all for the Lakers to have a chance in this game, because without Davis on the floor there isn't much depth behind their two stars. There was some hope in the first half, when the Lakers were shooting 53.5 percent from the field and sending double teams to Doncic every trip down the floor, which forced every other Mavericks player to put up points, which they struggled to do. The first half was the version of the Mavericks that don't hit their wide-open looks, while the third quarter was a drastic swing in the other direction with nearly every shot going in.

The Los Angeles Lakers visited the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day, and it was fascinating to watch how they dealt with Luka Doncic.

Doncic is also one of the best playmakers in the NBA, and he is smart enough to make adjustments. He has taken [57 field-goal attempts](https://www.nba.com/stats/players/shots-closest-defender?PerMode=Totals&dir=D&sort=FGA) where the nearest defender is within two feet, which is the third-most in the NBA. The Mavericks scored just 43 points in the first half and trailed by 11 points. Doncic eventually figured out exactly how to pick apart the opposing double team, and even though double coverage on Doncic was why the Lakers won the first half, it was also why they struggled in the second. For comparison: That is far more often than how opponents typically guard Doncic, who had previously been trapped on 2.6 ball screens per game. He is unselfish enough to pass out of tight coverage, and he was excellent when dishing out of hard double teams in the post and during possessions when he was trapped in the pick-and-roll.

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic ranks as the second-best player suiting up on Christmas, and fans can get all the latest Mavs news here.

Number 77 is 0-2 on Christmas so far, and he will be hungry for his first holiday win, so do not miss it. [suffered a hand injury](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35315619/sources-kings-domantas-sabonis-needs-further-tests-hand) in Friday’s game that needs further evaluation. Golden State is just 1-3 in the four games that he has missed so far, and the defending champions currently sit 11th in the Western Conference on Christmas morning. The 23-year-old will get a chance to further his case as the Mavs face LeBron James and the Lakers on Christmas Day in Dallas. Milwaukee versus Boston, the Grizzlies taking on the defending champion Warriors, and the Suns facing the Nuggets wrap up the Christmas Day festivities. It will be a much-talked-about day of basketball, and it created the perfect opportunity for a top 25 list.

It might take a Christmas miracle to save the 2022-23 Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles' losing streak extended to four Sunday thanks to its 124-115 loss to ...

The Mavericks poured in 51 points in an overwhelming third quarter that saw Los Angeles counter with just 21. It seemed like the Lakers were going to earn a much-needed win against a Western Conference playoff contender when they built an 11-point halftime lead. Los Angeles' losing streak extended to four Sunday thanks to its 124-115 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in a Christmas Day showdown at American Airlines Center.

DALLAS — Maybe the Mavericks just needed some extra time to transition from early Christmas morning celebrations with their family and the team's pregame ...

Distributed by [Tribune Content Agency, LLC.](https://www.tribunecontentagency.com) The Lakers committed to double-teaming Doncic with more consistency than any opponent this season, and supporting shooters around the 23-year-old superstar failed to establish offensive rhythm. Denver on Nov. 18) on the next possession. He shook his head and laughed after draining a Dirk-like post fade over Lakers point guard and noted defensive pest Patrick Beverley. Doncic (13 points), Hardaway (16) and Wood (9) combined for 38 points in the period as the Mavericks shot 72% from the floor (18 of 25) and 69.2% from three (9 of 13).

Coming off a 50-point performance on Friday, Luka Doncic leads the Dallas Mavericks into a Christmas Day showcase on Sunday against the visiting Los Angeles ...

Bryant’s streak of games with double-digit points ended at four in Friday’s 134-130 loss to Charlotte, which sends the Lakers limping into Sunday’s matchup on a three-game losing streak. The Mavericks are just 3-3 in that stretch, however. “I’m not disappointed in our effort. Davis has not appeared since playing just 17:27 in and missing the second half of the Lakers’ Dec. On Friday, the organization issued a statement that Davis sustained a stress injury to his right foot that will sideline him indefinitely. 13 in which he scored at least 30 points nine times in 13 games.

Callie Caplan: Lakers coach Darvin Ham on game-planning to face Luka Doncic: “It's a nightmare. We don't have the answer. … His size, man, it's a handful.

-via [EuroHoops.net](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1439424/dallas-mavericks-beat-los-angeles-lakers-124-115-nba-christmas-day/)/ December 25, 2022 [4:15 PM](https://twitter.com/BGeltzNBA/status/1607122959868608512) [J. Luka Doncic dropped 50 points, leading the Mavericks past the Rockets (112-106). [Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Anthony Davis is still being evaluated and plans to see more doctors later tonight](https://hoopshype.com/social/). We have to be the ones to set a tone, not match someone else’s energy.” -via [Los Angeles Times](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-12-24/los-angeles-lakers-charlotte-hornets-nba-game-analysis)/ December 24, 2022 It’s pretty telling how openly “pissed off” (his words) Darvin Ham was after this loss. … His size, man, it’s a handful.” – Lakers coach Darvin Ham on game-planning to face Luka Doncic: “It’s a nightmare. No team has committed to doubling Luka the way the Lakers have as he had just 6 FGA/10 pts in 1st half. Frankly, part of me thinks (or at least hopes) he was sending a message. His size, man, it’s a handful.” [Lakers coach Darvin Ham on game-planning to face Luka Doncic: “It’s a nightmare.

Luka Doncic scored 32 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. had 16 of his 26 points in a huge third quarter for Dallas and the Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers ...

The Mavs won the first meeting in New York this month. Walker went unsigned the first six weeks of the season. Doncic was called for his sixth foul on a charge against Austin Reaves with 3:50 left, but the call was reversed on replay. Miami won 105-94 in an opener for the lockout-delayed 2011-12 season. “We left it in the locker room at halftime.” Dallas outscored LA 51-21 in the third.

Ahead of the matchup against the Lakers, Luka Doncic made sure to spread the Christmas joy among young NBA fans along with the team.

Los Angeles is on a three-game losing streak as they prepare themselves for Dallas. He’s a big kid himself! “He’s so good with the kids. Merry Christmas Luka, and stay great!” For fans to see Luka spreading the Christmas joy along with his teammates did not come off as a surprise. ADVERTISEMENT

Maybe the Mavericks just needed some extra time to transition from early Christmas morning celebrations with their families and the team's pregame Secret...

25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [42/45] Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) goes for a shot as Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock (25) tries to block it during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [34/45] Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) goes for a shot as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) tries to block it during the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [33/45] Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) goes around Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [23/45] Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) goes for a shot next to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [30/45] Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) goes for a shot while Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Wenyen Gabriel (35) try to block it during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [25/45] Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) goes for a shot as Dallas Mavericks forward Christian Wood (35) tries to block it during the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [13/45] Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) goes around Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [8/45] Dallas Mavericks forward Christian Wood (35) dunks the basketball next to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [11/45] Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) goes for a shot while Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Wenyen Gabriel (35) try to block it during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [2/45] Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) tries to go around Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) for a shot during the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer) [4/45] Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) goes for a shot as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) tries to block it during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec. [45/45] Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) plays the ball around Los Angeles Lakers center Thomas Bryant (31) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, Dec.

Visit ESPN for the game recap of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball game on December 25, 2022.

had 16 of his 26 points in a huge third quarter for Dallas and the Mavericks beat the [Los Angeles Lakers](http://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/lal/los-angeles-lakers) 124-115 on Sunday. “We left it in the locker room at halftime.” Dallas outscored LA 51-21 in the third. [Christian Wood](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3058254/christian-wood) added 30 points and tied a career high with seven assists as the Mavericks finished off the Nowitzki celebration by winning just the second Christmas Day home game in club history. [Russell Westbrook](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3468/russell-westbrook), Hardaway scored inside and out and Wood converted a three-point play to break the 50-point mark. [Luka Doncic](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3945274/luka-doncic) and the [Dallas Mavericks](http://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks) had trailed from the opening bucket when the crowd erupted at the sight of retired star Dirk Nowitzki on the video boards late in the first half.

Joel Embiid and James Harden were splendid in Philly's win over New York.

[LeBron James](/nba/players/400553/lebron-james/): LeBron did all he could with [Anthony Davis](/nba/players/1992786/anthony-davis/)still sidelined, posting 38 points, six rebounds and five assists on 13-of-23 shooting, including 12 of 12 from the free-throw line. [Julius Randle](/nba/players/2135560/julius-randle/): Randle came out on fire, hitting four of his first six 3-pointers through a quarter and a half. (26) became the first trio of teammates to each score 25+ points on Christmas Day since 1962.— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) He's started the last five, and it's going to be hard to send him back to the bench after games like this. Embiid finished 12 of 22 from the field and got to the line 15 times, sinking 10. Harden has tallied a remarkable 34 assists over his last two games. The seven assists are a career high for Wood, as are the four steals he added to his line. He had a shot at 40 but was ejected for picking up a second technical foul midway through the fourth quarter. He went 10 for 10 from the free-throw line, where he's posting a career high 8.5 attempts per game this season. This fake Doncic threw on Poole entered Christmas averaging 28 points in games Stephen Curry hasn't played, and he continued that trend on Sunday with 32 points in just 29 minutes. We're 60 percent of the way through the five-game Christmas slate.

Also, Joel Embiid and James Harden were splendid in Philly's win over New York.

[LeBron James](/nba/players/400553/lebron-james/): LeBron did all he could with [Anthony Davis](/nba/players/1992786/anthony-davis/)still sidelined, posting 38 points, six rebounds and five assists on 13-of-23 shooting, including 12 of 12 from the free-throw line. [Ja Morant](/nba/players/2892772/ja-morant/): Morant finished with 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds on better than 50-percent shooting, but it wasn't enough with [Desmond Bane](/nba/players/2268516/desmond-bane/)turning in a nine-point showing on 0 of 7 from 3 in his second game back after missing 17 contests. [Julius Randle](/nba/players/2135560/julius-randle/): Randle came out on fire, hitting four of his first six 3-pointers through a quarter and a half. (26) became the first trio of teammates to each score 25+ points on Christmas Day since 1962.— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) The [Boston Celtics](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/BOS/boston-celtics/) ran away from the [Milwaukee Bucks](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MIL/milwaukee-bucks/) with a 139-118 win, and the depleted [Golden State Warriors](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/GS/golden-state-warriors/) made a statement with a 123-109 victory over the full-strength [Memphis Grizzlies](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MEM/memphis-grizzlies/). (And in that other game, against Charlotte, he had 27 rebounds.) He shot 64 percent from the field against Phoenix, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line. He's started the last five, and it's going to be hard to send him back to the bench after games like this. Embiid finished 12 of 22 from the field and got to the line 15 times, sinking 10. Harden has tallied a remarkable 34 assists over his last two games. He had a shot at 40 but was ejected for picking up a second technical foul midway through the fourth quarter. He went 10 for 10 from the free-throw line, where he's posting a career high 8.5 attempts per game this season. For the second time in a week he posts a 40-point triple-double.

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks made history on Christmas with their 51-point third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers.

It came after they just combined for 43 points in the first half, going 15-of-38 from the field and 5-of-22 from the 3-point line. Instead, he emphasized that just boiled down to him and his teammates making the right plays and executing them to perfection. “I think we didn’t make shots in the first half.

During the NBA's Christmas Day slate, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks defeated LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers.

There was no coming back for Los Angeles after how dominant of a third quarter the Mavs managed to pull off. LeBron James was on the floor for much of the minutes the Mavs deployed their bench unit in the second quarter. After halftime, the Mavericks managed to put a lot of pressure on the Lakers' defense in response to sending double-teams at Doncic. The Mavs did rally back to outscore Los Angeles by a 12-5 margin by the end of the period but still trailed 28-21. Doncic also shot 12-16 from the free-throw line and was a team-high +24 in 39 minutes. The Mavs came out on top with 124-115 being the final score, improving their record to 18-16 on the season.

Mavs star Luka Doncic has a rather unusual pet, but the reason he got it will endear him to Dallas fans even more.

Why does he have a Horny Toad? That is definitely music to the ears of Mavs fans. He also apparently has a pet Horny Toad.

Luka Doncic went viral for the car and outfit he wore to the Dallas Mavericks' Christmas game. Doncic was in cowboy clothes.

Doncic rolled up to the game in a cherry light blue old school ride with shiny rims. Luka Doncic arrived at his Dallas Mavericks’ game on Christmas in style, and then he played like a champ too. Luka Doncic arrives at Mavs’ Christmas game in sweet car and cowboy clothes

DALLAS — Luka Doncic: Texas forever. Not to put words in his mouth, but the man now literally owns a horned frog. Yes, at the end of Luka's blue ...

Doncic arrived at the Mavericks' game against the Los Angeles Lakers looking like a born-and-raised Texas cowboy, wearing a custom western wear outfit made ...

He finished his fit with a pair of Wrangler jeans. The handmade charcoal cayman Lucchese boots he wore are his first-ever pair of cowboy boots. Off the court, it’s with his acts of charity and his partnerships in the sportswear and fashion industries.

Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks took down LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers in an intriguing Christmas Day matchup at the American Airlines Center.

Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks took down LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers in an intriguing Christmas Day matchup at the American Airlines Center.

"The fortunate part is I get to play the game I love on Christmas. If I got to do anything when I'm not with my family, I get to play the game that I love to play. But, I know for sure is I've been on the road a lot more than Christmas than I've been at home. “I mean, the unfortunate part – I’ll go to the unfortunate part first and then fortunate – is that my family’s kind of gotten used to me being away on Christmas, which is the unfortunate part," James said. With Doncic continuing to solidify himself as an elite NBA talent, it appears likely that Dallas will play on Christmas Day often throughout his tenure. Just being able to appreciate the opportunity for the most part and being able to go out there and get the nerves and the butterflies out of your system. However, he gets to do what he loves, which is to play basketball on the biggest stage. While the draw of Luka Doncic has placed the Mavs in the mix to be a regular inclusion on that slate, they had yet to host a game on Christmas since 2011 when they hosted the Miami Heat. He has to be away from his family and that's often has been the case. But to go against a guy like this – his 18th year, what is he, 38? – in a Christmas game, it’s amazing to see him play and to go against.” It was a great display of Dallas overcoming being shorthanded in much of their supporting cast around Doncic and Christian Wood.

The All-Stars in Dallas and Toronto take home the honors for Week 10.

The Raptors (15-18) are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference [standings](https://www.nba.com/standings). [win](https://www.nba.com/game/0022200471/) against the Knicks last week. The Mavericks (18-16) are currently 8th in the Western Conference [standings](https://www.nba.com/standings). The dynamic guard led Dallas to a 3-1 week with averages of 31.5 points, 9.0 assists and 8.0 rebounds. [December 26, 2022] [win](https://www.nba.com/game/0022200487/) over Houston on Friday.

Doncic, the Western Conference winner, led Dallas to a 3-1 week with averages of 31.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 9.0 APG and 2.3 SPG on .494/.429/.818 shooting.

Deion Sanders Move Bringing In Brittany Renner To Educate His Players Wows NBA Fans The move was dubbed "genius" on social media and fans were in awe of how Sanders felt the need to make sure his players wouldn't be swayed by women looking for upgrades. Peraza will get a real chance to win the job, and if he does, they’ll have to trade Kiner-Falefa. Clearly, he has found his groove with the Yankees and is considered one of the top high-leverage arms, but they will need to manage his workload to maintain its production during the playoffs, which is a lesson they learned this past season. Sanders made headlines when he invited Renner to Jackson State University to teach his athletes the importance of keeping an eye out for women looking for deep pockets. Sanders made headlines when he invited Brittany Renner to Jackson State University to teach his athletes the importance of keeping an eye out for women looking for deep pockets. In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain had 18 rebounds and 13 assists against his former team, the San Francisco Warriors, and didn't attempt a single shot. On paper, the Broncos have a decent job to offer and might be able to get a head start on potential rivals in the coaching carousel by dismissing Hackett early. JR Smith is one of the funniest guys out there, and his comment on Rose's Christmas party and the matching pajamas his wife and baby mama wore is another proof of that. Lions safety Kerby Joseph (third round, 97th overall) Detroit's defense took a step back in a 37-23 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, but it is the heart of the team's mid-season resurgence. Incredibly, during the 2021 season, he hosted a 4.93 ERA with the Pittsburgh Pirates but a 1.61 ERA with the Yankees after being traded. The highlight of his week was Wednesday’s victory in New York when he recording 52 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal on .680/.333/.889 splits. Dominique Wilkins Shared A Story About Michael Jordan That He Will Never Forget The incident took place in 1987 when the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks locked horns during the regular season.

The NBA announced on Monday that Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic had been named the Western Conference Player of the Week.

Nowitzki has the most Western Conference Player of the Week nods in Mavs history with 16. No player has earned more Western Conference Player of the Week nods during the last four seasons. It has been a strong season for Doncic, averaging 32.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.7 steals, all of which lead the Mavs. The NBA announced on Monday that Doncic had been named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Monday, Dec. He wrapped it up by recording 32 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. It has translated to some recognition compared to his other [NBA](https://nbaanalysis.net/2022/12/26/nba-trade-rumors-dallas-mavericks-atlanta-hawks-trae-young-luka-doncic-christian-wood-spencer-dinwiddie-bold-scenario/) peers.

In four games, Doncic posted averages of 31.5 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and 2.3 steals in 36.8 minutes per game. He shot 49.4 percent overall, 42.9 ...

Nowitzki earned Player of the Week honors 16 times during his career. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://www.silverscreenandroll.com), Doncic helped fuel a second-half comeback to finish the week. The NBA announced Monday that Luka Doncic was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played between Monday, December 19 through Sunday, December 25. In four games, Doncic posted averages of 31.5 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and 2.3 steals in 36.8 minutes per game. All of Doncic’s Player of the Week honors have come since the 2019-20 season.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam have been named the NBA Players of the Week for Week 10. The dynamic guard led ...

The [Raptors](https://www.eurohoops.net/basket/toronto-raptors/?lang=en&lang=en) (15-18) are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. [Knicks](https://www.eurohoops.net/basket/new-york-knicks/?lang=en&lang=en) last week. His week was highlighted by a season-high 50-point performance in a win over Houston on Friday.

Luka Doncic channeled his inner cowboy before the Mavericks' Christmas afternoon game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Doncic arrived at American Airlines...

[Meet the master sculptor of Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki’s statue](/sports/mavericks/2022/12/22/before-the-christmas-unveiling-of-the-dirk-nowitzki-statue-meet-its-master-sculptor/) [Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here](https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/). [signature “Luka 1″ shoes through Jordan Brand](https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/04/23/introducing-the-luka-1-jordan-unveils-doncics-first-signature-shoe/) and personalized Jordan Brand sweats with his initials and jersey number logo. [the Mavericks’ Christmas afternoon game](https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/12/21/how-jason-kidd-mavericks-staff-coach-luka-doncic-with-tough-love-bets-and-lebron-style/) against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic won Western Conference Player of the Week for the eighth time in his career on Dec. 26.

Luka Doncic is halfway there, and he has won three times in each of the last two seasons. He has been a finalist for Player of the Week several times, and Luka finally broke through on Dec. Luka’s final two games of the week were his 50-piece against Houston and the 32-point outing on Christmas Day. He scored just 19 points in Minnesota, and it is still the only time this season that Doncic has scored fewer than 20 points. Luka’s week started with arguably his worst performance of the season. Here is a look back at his award-winning week before examining how many more Player of the Week awards the 23-year-old needs to hold the Mavericks franchise record.