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.

Kyrie Irving got brutally honest while sharing his thoughts on playing against Luka Doncic in the Mavericks-Lakers game.

After the blockbuster Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade that went down earlier this month in the NBA, Tuesday night's Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks matchup instantly became one of the most highly anticipated contests of the season.