As the Dallas Mavericks gear up for Tuesday’s road game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Kyrie Irving is keeping his focus on the high-stakes matchup. This game marks his first time facing former teammate Luka Dončić since Dončić was traded to the Lakers in a blockbuster deal.
Dallas will take on Dončić for the first time since trading him on February 2 in exchange for Anthony Davis. While the emotional weight of the reunion is undeniable, Irving remains locked in on the competition ahead.
“I’m pretty much focused and telling my guys just to focus on a high-level basketball game that we got to win,” Irving stated.
Averaging 24.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season, Irving is steering clear of the personal narratives and keeping his attention on the game itself. With the Mavericks holding a 31-27 record and sitting eighth in the Western Conference, their priority is securing a win rather than getting caught up in the storyline.
“Outside of just the obvious of us being in LA and (the Mavericks) being a former team of Luka’s, obviously the narrative is already written,” Irving explained. “I don’t know what else I can really add to that.”
He stressed the need for the Mavericks to stay professional and focused despite the emotional elements surrounding the game. With the Lakers fully prepared, Dallas must match their intensity.
“I would love to get into the emotions after the game with you, but before the game, it’s just about having fun and making sure that we lock in and have a deep focus,” Irving added. “They’re going to come in and be ready to play against us.”
Although the circumstances have changed now that they are on opposing teams, Irving has faced Dončić three times in his career. Their last meeting was on October 27, 2022, when Dončić put up a triple-double with 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 129-125 Mavericks victory, while Irving scored 39 points for the Brooklyn Nets. Tuesday’s matchup will mark their first showdown since that game.
