The Lakers defeated the Mavericks, with LeBron James achieving his first triple-double of the season, marking the 123rd of his career!

Today, the Lakers hosted the Mavericks again, this time without Davis. Ayton and Doncic remained sidelined. The Lakers' starters were Smart, LaRavia, James, Hachimura, and Hayes. The Mavericks started with Marshall, Brandon Williams, Christie, Gafford, and PJ Washington.

During the pre-game celebration, LeBron was completely in his element.

The game started at a fast pace, with LeBron delivering multiple assists and sinking two consecutive three-pointers, leading the Lakers to a 14-4 advantage, prompting the Mavericks to call the first timeout.

However, the Lakers relaxed too much. After leading 16-6, they allowed the Mavericks to go on a 10-0 run to tie the game. Hayes even attempted a between-the-legs dunk but fumbled the ball, wasting an assist opportunity from LeBron.

When LeBron was subbed out to rest, he had made 4 of 5 shots, scoring 10 points and dishing 6 assists. All of the Lakers' first 23 points were created by him.

Christie kept scoring for the Mavericks, and by the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led 36-31. LeBron had 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists; Hayes contributed 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals; Hachimura scored 9; Smart had 4 points and 1 assist; Reaves added 5 points and 2 assists; and Kennard had 2 points and 2 rebounds.

In the second quarter, 41-year-old LeBron still managed to perform an airborne spin layup, though it missed.

Reaves orchestrated the team well, providing reassurance, and Hachimura’s shooting was steady today.

Reaves showed off his skills—how did that shot even go in?

Surprisingly, that shot by Reaves was the Lakers’ last basket of the first half. After that, the Mavericks went on a 12-0 run, closing the half at 63-64.

LeBron had 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists; Hachimura 14 points; Reaves 11 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists; Hayes 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals; LaRavia 7 points, 2 rebounds; Smart 6 points, 3 assists; Kennard 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; and Vanderbilt 6 rebounds.

In the third quarter, the Mavericks took a 2-point lead over the Lakers, but Hachimura’s mid-range jumper tied the game.

LeBron showcased his signature fast-break spin layup.

LeBron kept delivering assists and reached double digits in points. He then drove the ball himself, facing four defenders, forcing the Mavericks to call a timeout.

During LeBron’s rest, Vanderbilt, Kleber, and Kennard all hit three-pointers.

Kennard’s court vision deserves praise.

The Lakers entered the fourth quarter leading 96-82. Early in the quarter, Kennard made a tip-in, LeBron’s layup was contested but he made two free throws, officially pushing the lead to 20 points.

That play awarded LeBron three free throws, but the Mavericks successfully challenged it, nullifying the free throws.

At the jump ball in the center circle, the Mavericks gained possession and went on an 8-0 run. The Lakers committed 24 turnovers. Reaves ended the scoring drought with a and-one play.

Both teams exchanged baskets until Reaves hit an unstoppable three-pointer, forcing the opponent to call a timeout.

Offense stalled for both sides, relying mostly on free throws. LeBron prepared for a powerful dunk but missed; fortunately, Hayes finished the play with a score.

Two Mavericks players exited the game early due to injuries: Gafford with an ankle injury and Marshall also with a foot injury. With 3 minutes and 18 seconds left, the Lakers led by 16 points, making the game less competitive. LeBron continued to seek contact, reaching 28 points and needing just one rebound for a triple-double.

After grabbing that rebound, LeBron secured his first triple-double of the season and the 123rd of his career!

The crowd cheered for him throughout, and when he was subbed out, he left the court smiling.

The final score was Lakers 124, Mavericks 104. LeBron finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, and 1 block; Hachimura had 21 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist; Reaves 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists; Hayes 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals; LaRavia 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists; Smart 9 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists; Kennard 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists; Vanderbilt 5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals; Kleber 5 points; and Thybulle 2 points.

Here are the stats for both teams: