Lakers rallying around Doncic ahead of 1st game vs. Mavs

The Los Angeles Lakers are aware Tuesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks will be a special one for recently acquired superstar Luka Doncic.

Tuesday will be the first time Doncic faces his former team since being traded for Anthony Davis in a shocking blockbuster Feb. 2.

Doncic's new teammates want the 25-year-old to know he has their support.

"I think he's going to be excited," said Dorian Finney-Smith, who played with Doncic in Dallas before reuniting in L.A., according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha. "But everybody in the locker room is excited. We got his back."

He added, "I know (Doncic is) gonna be ready, but I try not to put too much pressure on him because, at the end of the day, we just want to get the win. We get the win, I know he's gonna be happy."

Doncic hasn't quite hit peak form with his new team but had his best game in Saturday's victory over the Denver Nuggets. He poured in a game-high 32 points to go along with 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.

Finney-Smith knew it was only a matter of time before he saw an offensive outburst from the reigning NBA scoring champion.

"I knew it was just gonna come," Finney-Smith said. "Knowing Luka, I shoot with him all the time, so I knew nothing (was) wrong with his shot. He hasn't played for a while. ... Guys want him to come back and be 30, 10, and 10, but it takes time. He's human, and I'm just happy he found his rhythm."

Lakers coach JJ Redick can relate to the feeling of being traded, as he was moved three times during his playing career. He knows the implications of a game like this but isn't worried about Doncic heading into the matchup.

"I think he'll be fine," Redick said. "Every day that he's been with us, it's becoming a little more normal. I've been there. The first time you play your old team, particularly this close in time duration, it's going to be weird. But he'll be OK."

Doncic is averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in his four games with the Lakers.

Davis, however, won't be returning to L.A. to face his old team Tuesday, as he's sidelined with an adductor strain.