Luka Doncic's Mavericks to potentially square off against Anthony Davis' Lakers in a preseason Las Vegas matchup, according to NBA soundings
Get Ready for the Showdown! Luka vs AD, October in Vegas
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for an action-packed preseason clash in the vibrant city of Sin City—Las Vegas! According to insider Marc Stein, this game is expected to go down in October, marking yet another high-stakes match-up for superstars Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.
Fresh off their stunning trade deal during the 2024-25 season, these two All-NBA talents are set to step on the court once again. The meeting will be a part of the NBA's strategy to increase preseason engagements in neutral locations, with Las Vegas continuing to be a prime location amid whispers of league expansion[1][2][3].
The anticipated triumph will offer basketball enthusiasts an exclusive first look at both teams as they flaunt their revamped rosters before diving into the 2025-26 season.
Luka's Dominance and AD's Determination
When these two powerhouses faced off on April 9 earlier this year, Luka Doncic delivered a show-stopping performance in his homecoming[4]. He scored an impressive 45 points, swiftly adding eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals to his tally. Luka showed no mercy, drilling 16 shots and sinking seven three-pointers[4].
On the other hand, Anthony Davis managed a respectable 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and one block[4]. Despite the Lakers emerging victorious with a score of 112-97, AD proved he's ready for the challenge ahead.
Reinvigorated Lineups and Unmet Expectations
The Lakers, now aiming to pair Luka with LeBron James, had a tough time in the Western Conference Playoffs last season, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round[5]. With LeBron entering his 23rd season and Luka solidifying his position as the team's new star, the Lakers have a vital offseason ahead, striving to bolster their supporting cast[5].
The Mavericks narrowly missed the playoffs, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament's second game[5]. With Kyrie Irving expected to be out for a substantial part of the upcoming season due to a torn ACL[6], Dallas will heavily rely on Anthony Davis to carry the team[6].
This early preseason contest might offer valuable insights into both teams' upcoming strategies, as the Lakers get their first extended look at a new system centered around Luka, while the Mavericks aim to foster chemistry and consistency in AD's inaugural season in Dallas.
Though specifics on the exact date and broadcast details haven't been announced yet, basketball fans are already buzzing about this highly anticipated Las Vegas exhibition[6]. With two heavyweight stars now switched teams, this preseason tilt is undoubtedly poised to become a captivating narrative in the fall.
[1] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35647667/nba-officially-canceling-preseason-games-china-certainly-significant-development
[2] https://www.nba.com/2023-10-20/nba-announces-2025-preseason-schedule
[3] https://www.basketballnews.com/articles/nba-rumors-las-vegas-continues-to-be-linchpin-in-nba-expansion-plans
[4] https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401358923
[5] https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-playoffs-2023-lakers-lose-game-1-to-timberwolves-after-last-second-heroics-from-anthony-edwards/
[6] https://www.sportsonearth.com/nba/article/5415829/nba-trade-rumors-latest-buzz-kyrie-irving-injury-timberwolves-lakers-foxes
- The highly anticipated preseason clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, featuring Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, is set to take place in Las Vegas during October.
- The NBA's agenda for increasing preseason engagements in neutral locations includes this game, with Las Vegas continuing to be a popular location amid rumors of league expansion.
- The showdown will offer basketball fans an exclusive first look at the Lakers and Mavericks' revamped rosters as they set their sights on the 2025-26 season.
- In their previous meeting on April 9, Luka Doncic demonstrated his dominance with an impressive 45-point performance, while Anthony Davis proved his determination with 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and one block.
- With the Lakers aiming to pair Luka with LeBron James and the Mavericks relying heavily on Anthony Davis due to Kyrie Irving's injury, this preseason contest could offer valuable insights into both teams' strategies.
