What LeBron James’ injury return means for Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. This season, the Los Angeles Lakers have been without LeBron James for all 14 games they’ve played to this point.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as NBA's Most Entertaining Ref Shooed Luka Dončić Away From His Microphone.

Coast 2 Coast Tuesday Emirates NBA Cup Doubleheader on Nov. 25 Headlined by LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Lakers Hosting James Harden and Clippers in Battle of LA at 11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock

Luka Dončić is bringing out the best in Austin Reaves on the court, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to admit their budding friendship off it publicly. Dončić spoke to Spectrum SportsNet sideline reporter Mike Trudell after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 140-126 win over the Utah Jazz during LeBron James’ season debut.

Luka Dončić dunked. No, really! With just under four minutes to play in the third quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers point guard commenced a stack pick-and-roll with center Deandre Ayton, with forward Jake LaRavia hustling to set the back screen on Ayton’s defender.

The Dallas Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison on Tuesday, dismissing the man who traded away fan-favorite Luka Dončić in one of the most shocking NBA trades in recent memory.

DeAndre Jordan talks about how playing with Luka Dončić opened his eyes to just how naturally gifted Luka is as a playmaker. He explains how Luka’s vision made the game easier for everyone, especially bigs who relied on precise timing.

Or did the pound of desired flesh by the Mavs’ fan base end, along with its months-long siren song of “Fire Nico” during home games, with the sacking of the now-former general manager who recommended trading Dončić to the Lakers, rather than the ownership group that okayed it? Is everyone good just watching Cooper Flagg do work from now on?