The Los Angeles Lakers took care of the Dallas Mavericks, 112-97, April 9, in Luka Doncic's return to keep Phoenix in the play-in chase. Doncic scored 45 points in his first game in Dallas since the blockbuster deal before the 2024-25 trade involving Anthony Davis sent him to the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick joked that he was disappointed star guard Luka Dončić didn't score 50 points against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday evening. Dončić settled for just 45 points in his return to Dallas, where he played for the first six-plus seasons of his career before the Mavs stunningly traded him to the Lakers on Feb. 1.

The Mavericks are hosting Dončić and the Lakers for the first time since the stunning trade, giving Dallas fans their first chance to see their franchise's former star player back at American Airlines Center. Dončić squared off with his former team in February in L.A., posting a 19-point triple-double in a Lakers win.

Before the game, Mavs coach Jason Kidd said some had compared the trading of Dončić to “Babe Ruth, which is kind of cool.”

Luka Dončić returned to Dallas Wednesday night for the first time since he was traded by the Mavericks to the Lakers, and he was emotional.

Follow live as Luka Dončić returns to face the Mavericks for the first time since Dallas traded him to the Lakers two months ago.

Emotions flowed freely for the 26-year-old superstar, and with his Lakers teammates by his side, he got what he needed: closure.

In a league where players are quick to demand trades, form super teams or go to the highest bidder, Luka Doncic's love for Dallas stands out.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks NBA game from April 9, 2025 on ESPN.

The Phoenix Suns have been eliminated from the NBA Play-In Tournament contention following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.

While the Lakers punched their ticket to the postseason on Wednesday, another team saw its postseason hopes come to an end. The Phoenix Suns were eliminated after their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here's a look at the NBA standings following the Lakers' playoff clinch and Suns' elimination.

Four days remain in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, and there is still plenty of for grabs in terms of playoff seeding -- especially in the league's wild West. The Thunder, Rockets and Lakers have clinched playoff berths in the West,

The rest of the season (and Play-In) could shake things up, but as of now, some intriguing first-round series loom.

LOS ANGELES - After a shaky start at the Intuit Dome, losing the first four games of the season at their new home, the Los Angeles Clippers figured it out. Overall, they finished the regular season with a 30-11 record at the Intuit Dome and as of Thursday,

Based on current records, players missing due to injury, remaining opponents and other factors, here's a final projection of the 2025 NBA playoff bracket. The Pacers are getting hot at the right time,

How does the NBA Play-In Tournament work? Here's what to know about how the No. 7-10 seeds in each conference advance during playoffs.

Specifically, we're locking in all 15 picks for the All-NBA first, second and third teams. Some tough cuts had to be made along the way, and that's even with the player pool thinned out by the league's 65-game requirement for consideration.

The Rockets (52-27) have mathematically clinched the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference courtesy of Oklahoma City’s win over the Lakers (48-31).

Predictions, picks and odds as the OKC Thunder faces the Phoenix Suns on the road Wednesday. Plus, injury updates and news.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished the victory with 42 points, six rebounds, six assists and one block while shooting 14/26 from the field and 5/9 from the three-point range in 37 minutes. Now that the Thunder have won 65 games,

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 42 Points vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 42 Points vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 04/08/2025