Dallas Basketball

Mavericks-Lakers sets viewership record for 2024-25 NBA season

Clearly, people were intrigued by the storyline of Doncic against Dallas.

Keenan Womack

Feb 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (0) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (0) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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On Tuesday night, the Mavericks traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers in the first game between Luka Doncic and his former team, a storyline that captivated enough viewers – 2.5 million average viewers, to be exact – to be the most-watched NBA game this season (other than opening night). As one of the most hyped games of the year, TNT knew they had a big matchup on their hands, and clearly, fans felt the same way, obvious in their viewership.

In addition to the TNT numbers, the game also set records for Max, where it was the most-watched NBA regular season telecast of all time for the streaming service. The game, which the Lakers won 107-99, featured fantastic performances from Luka Doncic (19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists), LeBron James (27 points, 12 rebounds), Kyrie Irving (35 points, seven rebounds, four assists), and Klay Thompson (22 points, eight rebounds). The NBA could not have been happier with the result: an entertaining, back-and-forth game full of drama.

READ MORE: Luka Doncic reveals experience with Mavs' Nico Harrison at Lakers' recent game

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball against Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

It was clearly an emotional game for Doncic. He struggled a bit with his shot, finishing just 6-for-17, but his playmaking ability and prowess on the glass helped him to will the Lakers to victory alongside LeBron James' 16 fourth-quarter points. The Mavericks veterans played well enough to keep them in the game, but in the end, it wasn't enough to take down a Lakers team that had too much firepower for the Mavericks to handle.

The Mavericks are back in action at home against the Hornets on February 27.

READ MORE: LeBron James praises Luka Doncic for handling of Lakers-Mavericks game

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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