LeBron James, Lakers Ripped By NBA Fans for Loss vs. Mavs with Luka Dončić, Kyrie Out

Andrew PetersJanuary 8, 2025

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 7: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 7, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images

Even with no Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks had no issues with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

With their stars out, the Mavs torched the Lakers 118-97 to snap a five-game losing streak. P.J. Washington stepped up in Dončić and Irving's absence, posting 22 points and eight boards. Spencer Dinwiddie also had a big game against his former team with 19 points and Quentin Grimes had a productive 23-point night off the bench.

Lakers star Anthony Davis posted 21 points and 12 boards while LeBron James had a near-triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Though Los Angeles lost, James at least gave fans something to be excited about with this vintage gem:

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
LEBRON JAMES. <a href="https://t.co/BD5J2kTsq3">pic.twitter.com/BD5J2kTsq3</a>

After the Lakers failed to beat the Mavs with no Dončić or Irving, fans trolled them on social media.

The Lakers Chip @Lakerschipp
That JJ Redick Zone cost us the game how do you let the same player hit b2b2b 3s and just allow it

Banks @Banks_TF3
Lakers losing to Luka & Kyrie less Mavs & Suns losing to the showtime Hornets <a href="https://t.co/jx7WgLCA4H">pic.twitter.com/jx7WgLCA4H</a>

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NotACritic @IAmNotACritic
Lakers should be embarrassed. No Kyrie and Luka and the Mavs still cooking them.

Nay ✨ @shuhnay_
Luka & Kyrie ain't playing.. Lakers pull it together man

Bad Beat Papi @RKO_2004
I don't get this Lakers squad. Losing by 10 right now to a Mavs squad without Kyrie and Luka

Samuel @shecksamus
Lakers really down by 10 😭😭 no Luka or kyrie bums man

💰🥂 @Shaq_Luciano
No Luka , no Kyrie…Lakers struggling.

ROCKET @boominthrudanet
lakers losing to the mavs without luka & kyrie is CRAZY

-1ØVĒ🫶🏿 @KrownMeKing_
Lol @ LeBron & The Lakers struggling against the Mavs with no Kyrie or Luka.

Lakers Daily @LakersDailyCom
We're forcing LeBron to play way too hard for a Kyrie/Luka-less Dallas game on a random Tuesday. We gotta be better man.

The Lakers dropped to 20-16 after the frustrating loss and they've now dropped back-to-back games. The Mavericks are looking to survive without Dončić and Irving, and they showed that they might just be able to keep things together until their stars are back with the win.