Much has been made about the role Luka Dončić’s conditioning allegedly played in the blockbuster trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers before the NBA trade deadline.

So when video of Dončić getting in some pregame push-ups in full view of the Dallas Mavericks went viral, some jumped to conclusions about the new Lakers star’s intentions. In reality, the push-ups were a punishment for missing a half-court shot, per Arash Markazi.

That’s how heightened the scrutiny has become over the trade, as Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has faced intense backlash from Dallas fans over the move. The Mavericks reportedly increased security after Harrison received death threats and “Fire Nico” chants were rampant.

During Tuesday night’s 107-99 Lakers win over the Mavs, fans inside Crypto.com Arena chanted, “Thank you, Nico!” as Dončić posted his first triple-double as a Laker (19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists).

Harrison got it from all sides on Tuesday night, with some Mavs fans in attendance making their opinions known before the game.

After the game, Dončić was measured in response to questions about what it was like to play his old team for the first time, though he clearly was amped to perform — he stared down the Mavericks bench after making his one and only 3-pointer of the game.

“The closure is going to take awhile, I think,” Dončić said after the game. “I don’t know, it’s just not ideal. Like I said, I’m glad this game is over. There was a lot of emotions. It will go, little by little. Every day is better.”

Time may heal all wounds, but the saga will surely ratchet up again when the Lakers travel to Dallas on April 9 for one of their final regular-season games.

In a highly anticipated matchup on February 26, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 107-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. This game marked Luka Dončić’s first encounter with his former team since his surprising trade to the Lakers. Dončić delivered an impressive triple-double, recording 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, showcasing his versatility and determination. LeBron James also made significant contributions, adding 27 points and 12 rebounds, and playing a pivotal role in the game’s final moments. Despite a strong 35-point performance from Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks couldn’t overcome the Lakers’ momentum. The game was emotionally charged, with Dončić expressing mixed feelings about facing his former teammates and the Dallas organization. Additionally, Anthony Davis, now with the Mavericks, was absent due to injury but received a warm ovation from the Los Angeles crowd during a tribute. This victory not only highlighted Dončić’s seamless integration into the Lakers’ lineup but also underscored the team’s potential as a formidable contender in the league.