When asked, Doncic and everyone else will play down the entire idea of revenge, but there is no doubt. Everyone knows what is going on. Doncic thought he would spend his entire career in Dallas and, on Feb. 2, unceremoniously had that rug (and tens of millions of dollars) pulled out from under him with a stunning trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Luka Doncic sounded more relieved than triumphant after leading the Lakers to a win in his first meeting with his former team.