Dallas Basketball

Kyrie Irving sounds off before facing Luka Doncic in Mavericks-Lakers matchup

Dallas' star guard had a few thoughts on battling his former teammate.
Keenan Womack|
Feb 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks on after he makes a three point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Feb 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks on after he makes a three point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Dallas MavericksLos Angeles Lakers

Ahead of Monday's Mavericks-Lakers tilt in Los Angeles, Mavericks lead guard Kyrie Irving had some interesting thoughts about facing off against his former teammate, Luka Doncic, in a game that will draw eyes from across the basketball-watching landscape due to the intrigue of the story.

The story of course is the trade that sent Doncic to LA for center Anthony Davis, who, after three quarters of elite play with Dallas, was injured and will be sidelined for several weeks. Meanwhile, Doncic is coming off his best game as a Laker, scoring 32 points, grabbing 10 boards, and recording seven assists. When asked about the narrative of the upcoming game, Irving had this to say about his former teammate, as well as the mindset going into a game that is sure to be full of hype.

READ MORE: Mavericks have unsung hero in Max Christie after Luka Doncic-Lakers trade

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) points to players for positioning during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

"[It will be] a high-level basketball game, lots of great players on the floor at once. Outside of the obvious of being in LA, [against] a former teammate...Obviously, the narrative is already written...I'm telling my guys to focus in on the high-level game that we have to win. I'd love to get into the emotions after the game...before the game, it's about making sure that we...lock in and have a deep focus. They're gonna be ready to play against us, Luka is obviously going to have a lot of confidence. He's feeling good, and so we have to be aware of it."

A consummate professional at this point in his career, Irving typically doesn't let the media fully into his mindset and was a bit guarded here when discussing the game against his former teammate. He is a true leader on this Mavericks team and has the right mindset to help rally his current team to play with intentional focus. While Doncic will never play in a Mavericks uniform again, the fans at least have a player like Kyrie Irving to lead the team currently.

READ MORE: Kyrie Irving delivers massive praise for ‘budding star’ Mavericks teammate

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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