Luka Doncic's Mavericks reunion was 'so weird.' He still gets a triple-double and a W for the Lakers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although Luka Doncic speaks four languages, he struggled for the words to express just how strange it was to play against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.

Just 23 days after his world was upended by Dallas' shocking decision to trade him, Doncic was on the Los Angeles Lakers' home court to face those same Mavs. His feelings of betrayal and uncertainty are still fresh, and they affected a performance that was inconsistent, occasionally brilliant and altogether fraught with anxiety.

“It was just a lot of emotions I was feeling,” Doncic said. “I can’t even explain. It was a different game. Sometimes, I don’t know what I was doing. I’m just glad it’s over, honestly.”

Doncic’s game was all over the place — just like his head.

He posted his first triple-double in a Lakers uniform, but he also missed 11 of his 17 shots and was wild from 3-point range. He made a dozen sublime passes and at least that many big defensive plays, yet he could only score two points in the fourth quarter of a tight game.

“It was so weird,” Doncic said. “There were moments I felt like I don’t know what I was doing. I’m glad we got a win.”

Fortunately for Doncic, he now has LeBron James for a teammate — and the top scorer in NBA history simply wouldn't let Luka lose.

In that fourth quarter, the Lakers' eager fans saw another glimpse of what Doncic and James can become. James took over the game, scoring 16 of his 27 points in the final period — including three key buckets on passes from Doncic to cap his superb playmaking performance.

Doncic finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists in the 81st triple-double of his career.

His teammates would have known it was an important night even if they hadn't seen Doncic take a few meaningful looks at the Mavs' bench, and they helped to sand off the rough edges on Doncic's cathartic evening.

“We understood as his teammates that we wanted to try to get this win for him,” James said. “Obviously, we know what transpired not too long ago. As his teammates, we wanted just to back him in any way, shape or form. Happy that I was — along with my teammates — able to make a couple of plays down the stretch to get him this win. I know he probably won’t say it, but I think it means something to him for sure.”

Doncic was at the center of the Lakers’ attack from the start against Dallas. He missed a 3-pointer after the opening tip, but blocked a shot on Dallas’ first possession before adding a layup and an assist on a 3-pointer by James moments later.

Doncic was hyped, as evidenced when he got whistled for an early technical foul by referee Pat Fraher for overzealously protesting a non-call. Two teammates rushed over to Doncic to make sure it went no further.

Dallas general manager Nico Harrison, who has probably bet his career on trading Doncic, was at the game from pregame warmups onward. Doncic said he didn't see him.

While Doncic shot some early free throws, Lakers fans started a chant that returned throughout the night: “Thank you Nico! Thank you Nico!”

Mark Cuban, who sold controlling interest in the Mavericks 14 months ago, also watched the game from courtside. The billionaire jokingly booed Doncic a few times before Doncic grinningly replied: “Shut up, Mark!”

“It was awkward, but at the same time, it was fun,” said Dallas guard Kyrie Irving, Doncic's good friend. “We got a chance to feel like we were in practice all over again, going at each other. That was a good reflection point, and then just seeing the crowd cheer for him and just get him going and see him make some of the tough shots that I’ve seen him make thousands of times, that probably made it even more awkward. But it was fun. It’s fun competing.”

Doncic was widely assumed to be untouchable as one of the league's best players at just 25 years old — and particularly after carrying the Mavs to the NBA Finals last season. Harrison thought otherwise, and the Lakers eagerly gave up a championship-winning big man to acquire a younger foundational talent for the next decade and beyond.

This game would have been twice as portentous if Anthony Davis had been healthy, but the 10-time All-Star big man who teamed up with James to lead the Lakers to the 2020 championship is out at least two more weeks with a groin injury sustained in his Mavs debut.

Davis still attended the game, and he got a standing ovation in the first quarter when the Lakers aired a lengthy tribute video to their longtime center, who waved both arms in gratitude.

Los Angeles also welcomed back Max Christie, the Lakers' former second-round pick who grew into a starter this season before the trade. Christie scored all of his 10 points in the first half.

The next trade reunion should be even crazier: The Lakers visit Dallas on April 9, and Mavs fans already have been extraordinarily vocal in their displeasure with Harrison and the Dallas ownership group.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, center, listens to the national anthem before an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) stands on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, left, blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, second from right, is greeted by a fan as he walks off the court after the team's victory over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, left, and Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson hug before an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shake hands before an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, center right, warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, fourth from right, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, foreground, warm ups before an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, center, warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyunsung Gong)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, center, warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, right, is greeted by former Los Angeles Lakers player James Worthy before an NBA basketball game against the Lakers, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, center, warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of nurses in three hospital systems in New York City went on strike Monday after negotiations through the weekend failed to yield breakthroughs in their contract disputes.

The strike was taking place at The Mount Sinai Hospital and two of its satellite campuses, with picket lines forming. The other affected hospitals are NewYork-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.

About 15,000 nurses are involved in the strike, according to New York State Nurses Association.

“After months of bargaining, management refused to make meaningful progress on core issues that nurses have been fighting for: safe staffing for patients, healthcare benefits for nurses, and workplace violence protections,” the union said in a statement issued Monday. “Management at the richest hospitals in New York City are threatening to discontinue or radically cut nurses’ health benefits.”

The strike, which comes during a severe flu season, could potentially force the hospitals to transfer patients, cancel procedures or divert ambulances. It could also put a strain on city hospitals not involved in the contract dispute, as patients avoid the medical centers hit by the strike.

The hospitals involved have been hiring temporary nurses to try and fill the labor gap during the walkout, and said in a statement during negotiations that they would “do whatever is necessary to minimize disruptions.” Montefiore posted a message assuring patients that appointments would be kept.

“NYSNA’s leaders continue to double down on their $3.6 billion in reckless demands, including nearly 40% wage increases, and their troubling proposals like demanding that a nurse not be terminated if found to be compromised by drugs or alcohol while on the job," Montefiore spokesperson Joe Solmonese said Monday after the strike had started. "We remain resolute in our commitment to providing safe and seamless care, regardless of how long the strike may last.”

New York-Presbyterian accused the union of staging a strike to “create disruption,” but said in a statement that it has taken steps to ensure patients receive the care they need.

"We’re ready to keep negotiating a fair and reasonable contract that reflects our respect for our nurses and the critical role they play, and also recognizes the challenging realities of today’s healthcare environment,” the statement said.

The work stoppage is occurring at multiple hospitals simultaneously, but each medical center is negotiating with the union independently. Several other hospitals across the city and in its suburbs reached deals in recent days to avert a possible strike.

The nurses’ demands vary by hospital, but the major issues include staffing levels and workplace safety. The union says hospitals have given nurses unmanageable workloads.

Nurses also want better security measures in the workplace, citing incidents like a an incident last week, when a man with a sharp object barricaded himself in a Brooklyn hospital room and was then killed by police.

The union also wants limitations on hospitals’ use of artificial intelligence.

The nonprofit hospitals involved in the negotiations say they’ve been working to improve staffing levels, but say the union’s demands overall are too costly.

Nurses voted to authorize the strike last month.

Both New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani had expressed concern about the possibility of the strike. As the strike deadline neared, Mamdani urged both sides to keep negotiating and reach a deal that “both honors our nurses and keeps our hospitals open.”

“Our nurses kept this city alive through its hardest moments. Their value is not negotiable,” Mamdani said.

State Attorney General Letitia James voiced similar support, saying "nurses put their lives on the line every day to keep New Yorkers healthy. They should never be forced to choose between their own safety, their patients’ well-being, and a fair contract.”

The last major nursing strike in the city was only three years ago, in 2023. That work stoppage, at Mount Sinai and Montefiore, was short, lasting three days. It resulted in a deal raising pay 19% over three years at those hospitals.

It also led to promised staffing improvements, though the union and hospitals now disagree about how much progress has been made, or whether the hospitals are retreating from staffing guarantees.

Nurses strike outside New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

FILE - A medical worker transports a patient at Mount Sinai Hospital, April 1, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)