LeBron James Sends Strong Message to Mavericks Fan After Team Injuries

Lakers star vows to keep playing despite losing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:42am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and intensity of LeBron James driving to the hoop, his face and jersey dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.LeBron James' defiant performance and bold message to a Mavericks fan encapsulate his unwavering spirit as he carries the Lakers through a rash of key injuries.Oklahoma City Today

Despite losing both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the remainder of the regular season – and possibly the first round of the playoffs – LeBron James isn't backing down. The 41-year-old superstar delivered a massive 30-point, 15-assist performance in Sunday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks, even sending a bold message to a courtside fan: 'I can still do this s**t, you know what I'm sayin'? I can still do this s**t.'

Why it matters

The Lakers are currently the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, but losing Doncic and Reaves is a major blow to their playoff hopes. James will now have to shoulder an even heavier load to keep the team afloat without their two key contributors.

The details

LeBron James finished Sunday's game against the Mavericks with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 15 assists. During the game, he was caught on camera sending a message to a courtside Mavericks fan, saying 'I can still do this s**t, you know what I'm sayin'? I can still do this s**t.' James was referring to the recent injuries to Luka Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 oblique injury), which will sideline both players for the remainder of the regular season and possibly the first round of the playoffs.

  • On Thursday, Doncic and Reaves suffered their injuries during a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • LeBron James delivered his 30-point, 15-assist performance on Sunday, April 7, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar in his 23rd season, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is averaging 20.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game this season.

Luka Doncic

The star player for the Dallas Mavericks, who suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season and possibly the first round of the playoffs.

Austin Reaves

A key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers, who suffered a Grade 2 oblique injury and will also be out for the remainder of the regular season and possibly the first round of the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I can still do this s**t, you know what I'm sayin'? I can still do this s**t.”

— LeBron James

“I woke up from my nap after practice and saw the news. It felt like another shot, a hit to the heart, the chest, the mainframe with Luka.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Lakers will need LeBron James to continue his strong play as they try to maintain their position in the Western Conference standings without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The team's playoff seeding and potential first-round matchup will be crucial to monitor in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

At 41 years old, LeBron James is proving he can still dominate at the highest level, even when faced with significant injuries to his team's key players. His defiant message to a Mavericks fan shows his unwavering confidence and determination to lead the Lakers to success in the playoffs.