The Los Angeles Lakers staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Dallas Mavericks 116-110 on Saturday night, January 24, 2026, with Luka Dončić leading the charge in his second game back in Dallas since being traded. Dončić finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists, capping a 15-point rally that showcased the Lakers’ resilience and defensive intensity down the stretch.
The game began with the Lakers building an early 14-point lead, fueled by Dončić’s efficient shooting and contributions from role players like Rui Hachimura off the bench. However, the Mavericks responded forcefully in the third quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 35-14 to take an eight-point advantage into the final period. Dallas extended its lead to 14 points early in the fourth, putting the Lakers on the brink of an embarrassing loss.
Los Angeles’ comeback was ignited by a defensive surge, with Dončić making six consecutive stops as the primary defender. Offensively, LeBron James and Marcus Smart provided crucial scoring, while Hachimura hit two key three-pointers, including a four-point play, to swing the momentum. The Lakers closed the game on a 27-9 run, sealing the victory with clutch plays in the final minutes.
Statistically, the Lakers shot 44% from the field and 41% from three-point range, overcoming a poor third quarter where they managed only 31% shooting. Beyond Dončić, James added 17 points and 8 rebounds, Hachimura scored 17 points off the bench, and Smart contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds. For the Mavericks, Max Christie led with 24 points, but rookie Cooper Flagg struggled, shooting 7-of-20 from the field.
The win held personal significance for Dončić, who expressed gratitude to Dallas fans and acknowledged the emotions of returning to his former city. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Dončić’s all-around performance, particularly his defensive effort, highlighting the team’s ability to overcome imperfections in a game of swings.
In the Western Conference standings, the Lakers improved to 27-17, solidifying their fifth-place position, while the Mavericks fell to 19-27, remaining outside playoff contention. The victory marked the Lakers’ fourth consecutive win over Dallas since the Dončić trade, underscoring their dominance in the matchup.
Looking ahead, the Lakers continue their road trip with a game against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, aiming to maintain their top-six seeding. The Mavericks, meanwhile, face a quick turnaround with a back-to-back in Milwaukee, seeking to rebound from this heartbreaking loss. The game exemplified the NBA’s unpredictable nature, with both teams demonstrating bursts of excellence before the Lakers’ late surge decided the outcome.
