In response to the conditioning rumors, Dončić said it was a “big motive” to prove the Mavericks’ brass wrong this season, and he could get his first chance as soon as Saturday when the Lakers host the Indiana Pacers. It would mark the first game the five-time All-Star has played in since suffering a calf injury on Christmas Day.

The reaction to the Mavericks trading Luka Doncic has generated hurt and anger to a level this area has never seen.

The Houston Rockets will conclude their five-game road trip Saturday afternoon at the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić won't take the floor for Dallas after the weekend's blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.