Celebrations, it’s said, are still a work in progress for Luka Dončić, as he continues stacking must-see moments in the Los Angeles Lakers’ purple-and-gold. In the meantime, California’s new generational talent can rest assured, knowing that he gave 18,997 in attendance plenty to cheer for during his first-ever clash against his former team. Doing his best to mask inevitable emotions — and any intentions on could-be passes — during his downhill drive, Dončić, catching sight of his backwards-drifting teammate out of his peripheral, proceeds as normal until reaching the heart of the paint. Putting even the in-game cameraman to work, the all-seeing superstar unleashes a no-look, over-the-head dime to a teammate, securing a 3-point assist in highlight fashion. As calm as a flowing river after picking up a technical just minutes in, Dončić cooled himself into a 19-point, 15-rebound, 12-assist triple-double, alongside three steals and two blocks, bringing tangible impact on both sides. Riding that wave, Los Angeles survived the Dallas Mavericks’ competitive efforts for a win on February 25, 2025, a victory that ultimately helped spark an eight-game winning streak. · Feb 26, 2025