Luka Dončić's 15-Point Comeback Leads Lakers to Victory Over Mavericks

The young star's record-breaking performance and high-energy finish captivate the Dallas crowd.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:26am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, with overlapping planes and shapes representing the players' movements and the game's high-intensity action.Luka Dončić's record-breaking performance and the Lakers' thrilling comeback victory captivate the Dallas crowd with a display of raw basketball energy.Los Angeles Today

In a thrilling NBA matchup, Luka Dončić led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-110 comeback victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Dončić, the youngest player to hit 1,500 three-pointers, dominated the game with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists, outshining his own impressive milestone. The Lakers overcame a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter, fueled by Dončić's clutch plays and the team's determined effort on both ends of the court.

Why it matters

Dončić's return to Dallas was a highly anticipated event, with the crowd showing their unwavering support for the star player. The game showcased Dončić's immense talent and impact on the game, as well as the Lakers' ability to overcome challenges and mount late-game surges, a signature of their success under Dončić's leadership.

The details

The Lakers' comeback was sparked by a strong fourth-quarter performance, where they found their rhythm on both offense and defense. Dončić's magical layup and drawn charge in the final minutes sealed the win, demonstrating his competitive spirit and focus. The unique circumstances of the game, including a mostly full crowd and weather-related travel issues, added to the drama and excitement.

  • The game took place on April 13, 2026.

The players

Luka Dončić

A 23-year-old Slovenian professional basketball player who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is the youngest player to hit 1,500 three-pointers in the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers

An American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, that competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Dallas Mavericks

An American professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas, that competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

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What they’re saying

“The crowd's support for me was incredible. I'm grateful to have such passionate fans in Dallas.”

— Luka Dončić

What’s next

The Lakers will look to build on this momentum as they continue their playoff push, while the Mavericks will aim to regroup and find ways to better contain Dončić in future matchups.

The takeaway

Luka Dončić's record-breaking performance and the Lakers' thrilling comeback victory showcased the star's immense talent and the team's resilience, captivating the Dallas crowd and setting the stage for more high-stakes NBA action.