The game will be the first against Doncic and the Lakers since his emotional return to American Airlines Center on April 9. The Mavericks and Lakers have recently become one of the NBA’s marquee matchups since Doncic was stunningly traded on Feb. 1 in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.

Since their move to Los Angeles in 1960, the Lakers have become a basketball dynasty and a magnet for some of the NBA’s fiercest rivalries.

NBA Finals will begin on Thursday between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Following the Finals, the offseason will pick up fast with the NBA Draft and free agency. On Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers already announced a huge part of their preseason schedule for the 2025-26 season.