The highly anticipated return of Luka Dončić to Dallas is here, and the basketball world is buzzing! It's January 24, 2026, and the Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Dallas Mavericks for the second time since a trade that sent shockwaves through the league. This isn't just any game; it's a homecoming for a former Mavs favorite, Luka Dončić, who now dons the Lakers' purple and gold.
What's the buzz? We're bringing you all the live updates, predictions, and the latest news as this thrilling matchup unfolds. Our dedicated team from The Athletic is on the ground, ready to deliver in-depth analysis and real-time insights into how both teams are preparing for this pivotal encounter.
Game Details You Can't Miss:
- Game Time: The action tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT). For those in Dallas, that's 7:30 p.m. local time.
- Where to Watch: Tune into ABC to catch all the excitement. It's the final game of a thrilling tripleheader on the network!
- Streaming Options: Can't get to a TV? You can stream the game live.
A Year of Sports Extravaganza!
As we navigate through 2026, it's truly a golden era for sports enthusiasts. The NFL is winding down its season with Super Bowl LX on the horizon, the Winter Olympics from Milano-Cortina are just around the corner, and the NBA and NHL seasons are in full swing. Add to that the global appeal of Champions League and EPL soccer, and there's always something to cheer for.
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Join the Conversation!
This game is packed with intriguing storylines. How will Luka Dončić perform in front of his former home crowd? Will a rising star like Cooper Flagg make a significant impact on his home turf? We're eager to hear your thoughts! Send your opinions, predictions, and burning questions to live@theathletic.com, and we'll feature the best ones in our live coverage.
Get ready to type, basketball fans – your insights are what make these live blogs truly special!
The Story So Far:
Welcome, hoops aficionados, to our live blog! We're thrilled to bring you the latest from the court as the Los Angeles Lakers go head-to-head with the Dallas Mavericks. It's almost the one-year anniversary of a trade that sent ripples through the NBA – the move that brought Luka Dončić, a player who blossomed into a superstar with the Mavericks, to the Lakers. This reunion in Dallas promises to be an electric contest, with the Mavericks aiming to climb the standings. Stick with us for all the pre-game build-up and live updates as we approach tip-off.
But here's where it gets controversial... Was the trade truly a win-win, or did one team come out significantly ahead? And this is the part most people miss: how will the pressure of playing against his former team affect Dončić's performance, or will it fuel him to an even greater display of skill? We're eager to hear your take on this – do you think the Mavericks should have held onto him, or was this the right move for both franchises? Let us know in the comments!
