After the Mavericks decided to shock the world by trading superstar Luke Doncic to the Lakers, the Lakers and Mavs instantly were tied to one another when the success of their teams was brought up.
Now, the Mavericks have the opportunity to add Cooper Flagg to the roster in the 2025 NBA Draft, making this more of a rivalry potentially.
This week, some big news was confirmed about when both teams will face off for the first time this fall.
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When will the Mavericks and Lakers play?
NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that the Lakers will host the Mavericks for a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on 15 October.
Assuming players are healthy and active, we will get to see Luka against his former team and Cooper Flagg play LeBron James and the Lakers, if Dallas takes him first overall.
Doncic has already played Dallas twice since being traded, including a game in Dallas.
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Kyrie Irving will miss most of this upcoming season, but with the possible addition of Flagg and some other moves the team makes, the Mavericks and Lakers could become a legitimate rivalry.
Both of these teams had disappointing ends to their 24-25 seasons and will look to rebound next season with high expectations.
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