The latest Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks showdown at the Crypto.com arena on Feb. 25 was all about Luka Dončić, and rightly so, since the Slovenian sensation was facing his former team for the first time after his unexpected send-off to LA. Fans were all in to witness how the five-time NBA All-Star would fare against the team that has transformed him into a basketball powerhouse.
The revenge game proved a big ratings booster for the NBA, justifying all the hype. The biggest faceoff of the current NBA season drew a massive 2.5 million viewers across TNT, TruTV, and Max. However, amidst all the Dončić hype, another NBA icon from the Mavs side also managed to leave a lasting impression with his sweet gesture, relentless effort on the court, and graceful reunion with his former teammate.
Kyrie Irving’s Heartfelt Gesture, Dominant Performance Steal the Spotlight
Kyrie Irving had his own unforgettable moment before the game. A dedicated Mavericks fan handed him a pair of custom sneakers, and in a heartwarming gesture, Irving decided to wear them during the highly anticipated matchup.
A video posted by Bleacher Report on X captured the special exchange, showing Kyrie receiving the shoes with a smile. Irving led the charge of the Mavs, leading all scorers with 35 points, along with seven rebounds and four assists.
A fan gifted Kyrie custom sneakers… and Kyrie surprised him by wearing them in-game vs. Lakers 🙏
(via logoliban/IG) pic.twitter.com/04tj7Bdlgg
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 27, 2025
But the night wasn’t just about the number or the rivalry, it was more about excitement and buzz. At one point, Dončić stepped up to the free-throw line, and the crowd erupted with chants of “Thank you, Nico!” playfully mocking Mavs general manager Nico Harrison.
Even off the court, Dončić’s presence was felt. His sponsor, Jordan Brand, went all out for his return, buying out a parking lot near the arena and offering free parking as a thank-you to fans.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Lakers secured a 107-99 victory, but the real moment came afterward. Irving and Dončić met at midcourt, sharing their usual handshake before exchanging a hug.
When asked about facing his former teammate, Irving admitted it felt strange.
“Awkward as s***,” he admitted with a laugh. “It was awkward, but it was fun. We felt like we were in practice all over again, going at each other. Seeing the crowd cheer for him and watching him make the tough shots I’ve seen thousands of times — that’s probably even more awkward.”
The Lakers will travel to Dallas for a rematch on April 9, and undoubtedly the emotion and intensity will be at an all-time high.
