Moments after the final buzzer sounded on Thursday, with teammates still doubled over in fatigue and a sold-out Crypto.com Arena wondering what happened, LeBron James and Luka Donu010diu0107 met at center court and embraced. A 58-minute, double-overtime thriller was over, but before the two stars retreated to opposite ends of a back hallway, respect needed to be paid.
The King.
And his heir.
Dallas beat the Lakers, and this one had a little of everything. Want the good? How about Christian Wood, the Mavs’ would-be second star, racking up 24 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in 47 minutes.