The Dallas Mavericks will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, but this game comes with a twist. Luka Dončić, once the centerpiece of the Mavericks’ franchise, will now step onto the court as an opposing player for the first time in Dallas after his February trade to the Lakers. In a deal that sent Dončić to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, the basketball world was stunned by the bold move, which changed the landscape of both teams.
Dwight Powell, a key figure for the Mavericks who spent years alongside Dončić, is among those reflecting on their time together. Ahead of the highly anticipated game, Powell spoke with Grant Afseth of RG, sharing insights into his bond with Dončić and what it was like playing alongside him for so many years.
“We spent a lot of years together and shared a lot of great memories,” Powell said. “We had great times on the court, obviously, and great times off the court as well—even competing in the summers, the national team and whatnot, and being able to come back the following preseason and have those bragging rights, whichever way it went.”
Their chemistry on the court was undeniable. Dončić, who played 422 games for the Mavericks, made an indelible mark on the franchise. Averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, Dončić earned five All-Star selections and five All-NBA team honors, firmly
establishing himself as one of the league’s brightest stars. Perhaps most notably, Dončić, along with Kyrie Irving, led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, where they faced off against the Boston Celtics. Though Dallas ultimately fell short, losing the series in five games, Powell holds nothing but gratitude for his time playing alongside Dončić.
“He’s a very special player,” Powell remarked. “I think that goes without saying. He did an amazing job of creating opportunities for everybody around him, and I was fortunate enough to be one of those targets. So, we learned very quickly how to play together, but it’s fairly easy to play with a guy like that.”
Now, as Dončić returns to Dallas, it’s expected that Mavericks fans will give him a standing ovation in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the franchise. After years of wearing a Mavericks uniform, his presence in a Lakers jersey will be a surreal moment for both fans and teammates who have watched him grow into one of the NBA’s elite talents.
For Powell, though, it’s a bittersweet moment. The bond they formed on the court is something that Powell cherishes, and despite the competitive nature of the game, he can’t help but feel a deep appreciation for what Dončić brought to the Mavericks during his tenure.
As the two teams clash on Wednesday, all eyes will be on Dončić to see how he performs in Dallas for the first time as an away player. Will the standing ovation fuel his performance, or will the weight of facing his former team bring additional pressure? Either way, the game promises to be an emotional one for all involved.
The return of Dončić to Dallas will be a significant chapter in both his and the Mavericks’ histories, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another. However, for Powell, his words make it clear that the memories of playing alongside one of the most gifted players the league has ever seen will never fade.
The stage is set for a memorable game, and regardless of the outcome, the bond between Dwight Powell and Luka Dončić is one that will always endure.
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