LOS ANGELES — Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic’s first clash as opponents ended exactly how it started. The two superstar guards slapped the front-side of each other’s hands, interlocked their fingers and hugged — the completion of a handshake symbolizing their bond that extends well beyond the basketball court.

When the Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks reunited with Luka Doncic as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time on Tuesday night, Irving was tasked with guarding his former teammate.

Feb 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) speaks to the media after the game against the Dallas Mavericks reacts at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images