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.

Luka Doncic is back on the court with the Dallas Mavericks, this time as an opponent as he gets his first crack at revenge at the franchise that traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers a few weeks ago. As expected, Doncic is focused on making an early statement against the Mavericks.

Dallas fans are still in a state of shock over the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers earlier this month and their loyalty to the five-time All Star was on full display on Tuesday as he helped his new team beat the Mavericks 107-99 in Los Angeles.