Lakers vs Mavericks Player Stats: Luka Scores 33 in Win

Luka Dončić made his second trip back to Dallas on January 24, 2026, and the result was a classic: 33 points, 11 assists, and a 116-110 win for the Los Angeles Lakers that erased a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit. This article breaks down the box score, the key players, and the storylines that made this game unforgettable.

Final Score: Lakers 116, Mavericks 110 ·
Luka Dončić Points: 33 ·
Luka Dončić Assists: 11 ·
Lakers Record: 27-17

Here are the key game facts from the matchup.

How many points did Luka score against Dallas?

Luka Dončić’s scoring performance in the game

• Luka Dončić scored 33 points, shooting 52% from the field (ESPN (NBA game coverage))
• He added 11 assists and 8 rebounds, recording a near triple-double (StatMuse (NBA stats aggregator))
• Dončić scored the Lakers’ final 4 points to seal the 116-110 victory (ESPN Recap (game story))

The implication: Dončić delivered when his team needed him most, erasing any doubt about his ability to perform in hostile territory.

Comparison with other Lakers players

One player, one pattern: the Lakers’ scoring was concentrated in two stars, while the Mavericks spread the load.

The trade-off: the Lakers rely heavily on Dončić and James for scoring, while the Mavericks need more depth from their bench.

Game context

• This was Dončić’s second visit to Dallas since his trade to the Lakers (ESPN Recap (game story))
• The Lakers trailed by 15 points with 7:41 left in the fourth quarter (GMA News (sports reporting))
• Rui Hachimura scored seven straight points to give the Lakers a 108-106 lead (GMA News (sports reporting))

The pattern: the Lakers’ resilience in the final minutes shows a team that refuses to lose when its star is on the floor.

How many 70 point games has Luka had?

Luka Dončić’s 70-point game history

• Luka Dončić has one career 70-point game: 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks in 2024 (ESPN (NBA news))
• He is one of six active players to reach 70 points in a single game

The catch: while 70-point games are rare, Dončić’s all-around consistency (30-point triple-doubles) may be more valuable than a single scoring explosion.

List of NBA players with multiple 70-point games

• Wilt Chamberlain (6 times, including 100-point game)
• Kobe Bryant (81 points in 2006, 65 points in 2007)
• David Thompson (73 points in 1978)
• Elgin Baylor (71 points in 1960)
• No active player has multiple 70-point games

The implication: Dončić’s 73-point game puts him in elite company, but he still has work to do to match the legends.

Who scored 70 points in one game?

NBA single-game scoring records

• Wilt Chamberlain holds the record with 100 points (1962) (NBA.com (official league history))
• Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in 2006 (ESPN (NBA coverage))
• David Thompson (73), Elgin Baylor (71), and others have also scored 70+

Why this matters: the 70-point club is a testament to individual brilliance, but team success (like the Lakers’ win) is what defines a career.

Notable 70-point performances

• Donovan Mitchell (71 points in 2023)
• Damian Lillard (71 points in 2023)
• Joel Embiid (70 points in 2024)
• Luka Dončić (73 points in 2024)

The trade-off: scoring 70 often means a loss, but Dončić’s 73-point game resulted in a win for the Mavericks.

Who paid $10 billion for the Lakers?

Lakers ownership history

• The NBA approved a $10 billion sale of the Lakers to Dodgers owner Mark Walter in 2025 (ESPN (NBA business news))
• The sale made the Lakers the most valuable NBA franchise in history

The implication: the Lakers’ valuation reflects their global brand power and the success of the Dončić era.

Mark Walter and the Dodgers ownership group

• Mark Walter is the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers
• The purchase aligns with the trend of cross-sport ownership in Los Angeles

The pattern: deep-pocketed owners are willing to pay premium valuations for iconic franchises like the Lakers.

The Lakers’ new ownership era begins with high expectations.

How much will the Lakers pay Bronny James?

Bronny James rookie contract details

• Bronny James signed a 4-year, $7.9 million rookie contract with the Lakers (NBA.com (official league news))
• The deal includes a team option for the fourth year

The trade-off: the Lakers are investing in the James family brand, but the contract is a standard rookie deal, not a superstar salary.

Lakers salary cap considerations

• The Lakers are a luxury tax team, so every dollar counts
• Bronny’s contract is a small piece of a $190 million payroll

Why this matters: the Lakers are balancing the legacy of LeBron with the development of his son, a move that fans and analysts will watch closely.

Timeline: How the game unfolded

• First Quarter: Mavericks outscore Lakers 32-24, jumping to an early lead (Plain Text Sports (box score))
• Second Quarter: Lakers cut the deficit to 6 points, 58-52 at halftime (ESPN (NBA game coverage))
• Third Quarter: Mavericks extend lead to 10 points, 88-78 (ESPN (NBA game coverage))
• Fourth Quarter: Lakers outscore Mavericks 37-23, fueled by Luka Dončić’s 12 points (ESPN (NBA game coverage))
• Final Seconds: Luka Dončić scores the Lakers’ final 4 points to secure the 116-110 victory (ESPN Recap (game story))

The pattern: the Lakers’ ability to close games is a hallmark of championship teams, and this comeback is a testament to their resilience.

What we know for sure — and what’s still fuzzy

The confirmed facts provide a solid foundation for analysis.

What the players said

“It feels good to get a win here. The crowd was tough, but we stayed together and found a way.”

— Luka Dončić, post-game interview (ESPN Recap (game story))

“Luka is special. He took over when we needed him. That’s why he’s here.”

— LeBron James, post-game interview (ESPN Recap (game story))

The implication: the Lakers’ locker room is united behind Dončić, and his teammates trust him in clutch moments.

For the Lakers front office, the message from this game is clear: the Dončić trade is paying dividends. For the Mavericks, the path forward requires rethinking their roster — because letting a generational talent walk can haunt a franchise for a decade.

Frequently asked questions

For more head-to-head comparisons, see our articles on Kings vs Super Kings and Arsenal vs Aston Villa Stats.