Luka Doncic goes on 45-point heater in Dallas return — and helps Lakers clinch top-six playoff spot

Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas started off with tears.

It ended with a lot of smiles.

Doncic scored a game-high 45 points with eight rebounds and six assists in the Lakers’ 112-97 win over the Mavericks on Wednesday night.


 Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts to missing a shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter at the American Airlines Center.
Luka Doncic, who scored 45 points, reacts after missing a shot during the Lakers’ 112-97 win over the Mavericks. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Not only did the Lakers win, they guaranteed themselves a top-six spot in the Western Conference playoffs, meaning they will automatically avoid the the play-in round.


Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic (77) and LeBron James, center, right, hug and celebrate late in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Luka Doncic gets a hug from LeBron James late in the second half of the Lakers’ win over Mavericks. AP

The 45 points for Doncic match a season-high that he set on Dec. 15, his third-to-last game played in a Mavericks uniform.

It marked the first game of 40 or more points while with Los Angeles.

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