Lakers vs Mavericks Expert Predictions for Latest Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis Rematch

Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23) and Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

On Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Dallas Mavericks, with homecourt advantage in the Emirate NBA Cup now on the line.

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Here are out expert predictions.

Will Luka Doncic Have Another Big Scoring Night Against His Old Team?

Alex Kirschenbaum: There's no love lost between the Lakers' new five-time All-NBA First Team superstar and the club that stunningly traded him away on Feb. 1 this year, mere months removed from his leading the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Doncic is the league's leading scorer, and there's no question that LeBron James and Austin Reaves will seek to feed to him frequently against Dallas.

Who Will Guard Cooper Flagg?

Alex Kirschenbaum: The No. 1 draft pick out of Duke has had an uncomfortable first few months in the league. After being unimpressed by the fill-in ex-Lakers point guard brought in to supplement injured All-Star Kyrie Irving, D'Angelo Russell, head coach Jason Kidd played Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward, out-of-position at the point. Dallas also fired the clueless executive responsible for trading away Doncic for a modest haul of a past-his-prime Anthony Davis, swingman Max Christie, and a single first-round draft pick. The Mavericks also surrendered a second-rounder to the Utah Jazz to help the Lakers offload Jalen Hood-Schifino's contract.

Flagg, still just 18, is rounding into form. Through his 18 official pro games, he's been averaging 15.9 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 79.3 percent shooting from the foul line, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks a night.

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Rui Hachimura will likely draw the starting defensive assignment against Flagg, while former Defensive Player of the Year guard Marcus Smart and perhaps even Jarred Vanderbilt could get a shot.

Can the Lakers Take Down the Mavericks Yet Again?

Patrick Warren: For the first time since they fired general manager Nico Harrison, the Dallas Mavericks will travel to Los Angeles. All eyes will be on the two centerpieces of one of the most infamous trades in NBA history, as both Anthony Davis (should he play) and Luka Doncic will look to have big nights against their former teams. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, it appears Dallas is trending in the opposite direction of a Lakers team enjoying a five-game winning streak. Lakers 128, Mavericks 104.

Alex Kirschenbaum: While Flagg seems to be settling in comfortably to the NBA after an awkward start, the Mavericks' health issues, shooting woes and backcourt deficiencies should make them mincemeat for Luka Doncic to once again wreak his vengeance. Lakers 118, Mavericks 100.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.