Luka Dončić has proven himself to be an important piece to the Los Angeles Lakers’ puzzle this season. While many doubted that the addition of Dončić would significantly help the Lakers become an elite team in the Western Conference, they’ve proven otherwise this season.
With that said, Dončić’s presence is a must-have for as much as possible this season. The question now is, will the Slovenian star be available against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, on Black Friday?
Who Is Luka Dončić Set To Face Off Against?
The Lakers are set to face off against the Mavericks on Friday. It’s an important matchup for Dončić because he once again has the opportunity to prove that trading him was a mistake.
Last season, the Mavericks’ ex-general manager, Nico Harrison, pulled the trigger on trading Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. It was a trade that nobody saw coming. In fact, Dončić and Davis are the first pair of stars in NBA history to be traded during a regular season.
The Slovenian star expressed how hurt he was initially knowing that he would no longer get to play for the team that he called home for seven seasons. However, now suiting up for the Lakers, he appears to be happy with his new team and is in the best shape of his career.
Dončić has played an important role for the Lakers this season. He is largely responsible for his team’s current hot streak, which has contributed to the Lakers’ second-place standing in the Western Conference. Dončić is currently the leading scorer in the league, averaging 35.2 points per game.
Having all that in mind, it’s also important that Dončić remains available for their matchup against the Mavericks, especially considering that it’ll take place in an NBA Cup game.
According to several sources, the Slovenian star is not on the injury list and is clear to play on Friday. The only Lakers player on the injury list is DeAndre Ayton. Which means the Lakers could enter Friday’s game without their star center.
It’s worth mentioning that this will be the first time Dončić will take on the Mavericks since firing Harriosn. While nothing is for sure, there’s a chance that Dončić’s demeanor could change when going up against his former team.
If the Lakers win their game against the Mavericks on Friday, they will guarantee their spot in the NBA Cup’s quarter-finals.