- Luka Doncic in tears before facing Mavericks in Lakers uniform as Dallas fans greet former star with unique ovation
- "They have no idea": Luka Doncic breaks silence about doubters in Dallas
In an unforgettable night of emotion and determination, Luka Doncic returned to Dallas on Wednesday to face his former team for the first time since his blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite beginning the night with tears in his eyes, Doncic delivered a masterclass performance, scoring 45 points, grabbing eight rebounds, dishing six assists, and recording four steals. His efforts powered the Lakers to a 112-97 win over the Mavericks, clinching their playoff spot and securing sole possession of third place in the Western Conference.
The evening began with a touching tribute video from the Dallas Mavericks, a gesture that moved the 26-year-old star to tears. "So many emotions, can't even explain it," Doncic told ESPN after the game. "I don't know how I did it, because when I was watching that video, I was like, 'There's no way I'm playing this game.' But all my teammates had my back. They really ed me, so I appreciate that."
The emotional weight of the night carried over to the American Airlines Center crowd, who showed their continued iration for Doni by cheering every time he touched the ball early in the game, even as they rooted for the Mavericks. Meanwhile, frustration with Dallas' front office was evident as chants of "Fire Nico" rang out, targeting general manager Nico Harrison, the architect of the controversial trade.
Taking control since the beginning
Doncic set the tone early, scoring a staggering 31 points by halftime. Though he eased off in the second half, teammate LeBron James took over, contributing 27 points and seven rebounds to maintain the Lakers' momentum. Doncic's 45-point performance matched his career high with the Lakers and served as a powerful reminder of his talent and versatility.
The loss adds to the woes of the Mavericks, who are now 0-2 against the Lakers since trading their former franchise cornerstone. Currently clinging to the final play-in spot in 10th place, Dallas faces increasing pressure as the regular season winds down. The Lakers, on the other hand, improved to 49-31 and solidified their postseason position, their chemistry fueled by the dynamic pairing of Doncic and James.
For Doncic, the victory was not just a win for his new team but also a statement to the organization that traded him away. The young superstar is determined to write a new chapter in his career, and his performance on Wednesday night may be the first page of an epic story.