Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic scores 27 in Christmas Day loss to Lakers

Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic drops 27 in Christmas Day loss to the Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks drew the primetime Christmas Day matchup against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers this year. It is a testament to their rise with Luka Doncic leading the charge. Dallas is one of the most exciting teams in the league and ready to be a fixture in the championship picture for years to come.

Luka versus LeBron James drew the headlines, but it was a solid early-season measuring stick of where the Mavs stood in the Western Conference race. The Lakers are favored to repeat, so an upset would be a massive feather in the Mavericks cap.

Luka and the Mavs played well, but Los Angeles did not miss on their home floor. They had at least 30 points in every quarter. It was just too much for the Mavericks to overcome, but that did not stop Doncic from putting on a show. Let us take a closer look at the best plays.

Luka Doncic nets 27 as Dallas Mavericks fall to the Lakers on Christmas Day

Doncic had it going in the first quarter when he threw this beautiful lob to Dorian Finney-Smith.

The Mavs star was not done there. He showed off his ability to get into the paint to close the period.

Luka played the entire first quarter and produced eight points, one rebound, and two assists as the Mavericks netted 30 points. The 21-year-old star was aggressive and looked impressive, even defending well against LeBron James. He had the offense rolling, but they trailed by three after one.

Luka came back in with 6:02 remaining in the second quarter and Dallas down by eight. The Lakers were shooting the lights out on Christmas, but Doncic was doing his best to keep the Mavs in the game. He had 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists in the first half.

Next: Second half