The Orlando Magic pulled off an impressive 118-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in an intense NBA regular-season matchup on Monday, March 24, at the Kia Center. While the victory was notable, it was the emotional post-game interaction between Luka Doncic and Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley that captured fans’ attention. The two shared a hug and a brief, private conversation while covering their mouths — a moment caught on camera and quickly shared on social media, with The Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede among those posting it on X.
Mosley isn’t just any coach to Doncic — he played a pivotal role in the superstar’s development during his formative years in the NBA. Serving as an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks from 2014 to 2021, Mosley worked closely with Doncic, particularly during his first three seasons in the league. Their bond went beyond the court, with Mosley mentoring Doncic not only as a player but as a person. In fact, Doncic publicly endorsed Mosley as a strong head coach candidate back in June 2021, showing unwavering support for the man who helped shape his career. Mosley later earned the top job in Orlando, proving Doncic’s faith in him was well-placed.
Reflecting on their early years together, Mosley shared a heartfelt memory. “All I can remember when he first came into the league was a lot of nights spent in the gym, playing one-on-one with Dorian Finney-Smith and Dennis Smith Jr., just playing basketball, getting after it, and working on his shot,” he said. Those long nights laid the foundation for Doncic’s rise as one of the league’s brightest stars.
Over time, some critics in Dallas began questioning Doncic’s focus and conditioning, particularly during tough stretches for the Mavericks. Mosley, however, pushed back on those narratives, defending his former protégé’s work ethic and passion. “My recollection of being with him is that he was constantly working. He loves the game of basketball, and when you love the game, you put in the work.” Mosley’s words paint a different picture — one of a dedicated, tireless player who strives to improve, even when the cameras aren’t rolling.
This emotional reunion between player and coach comes at an intriguing time. The Lakers are set to face Doncic’s Mavericks on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, with both teams locked in a tense race for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. The Lakers, led by LeBron James, are battling the Memphis Grizzlies for a favorable seed, while the Mavericks are trying to solidify their spot and avoid the play-in tournament.
Doncic’s performance will be crucial, as he remains the driving force behind Dallas’ offense. The matchup with LeBron, a player Doncic has idolized since childhood, adds another layer of drama to the contest. LeBron, now in his 21st season, continues to defy age and expectations, leading a Lakers squad desperate to make a deep playoff run.
For Mosley, Tuesday’s game represents more than just a regular-season matchup. It’s a reminder of how far he and Doncic have come — from late-night gym sessions in Dallas to leading their respective teams on the NBA’s biggest stage. Though they now stand on opposite sidelines, the mutual respect and admiration between coach and player remain unchanged.
With the emotional backdrop, playoff stakes, and star power of LeBron and Luka, Tuesday’s Lakers-Mavericks showdown promises to be one of the most compelling games of the season — a battle of two teams fighting for their postseason lives, and a quiet celebration of a coach-player bond that endures beyond team colors.
