Luka Doncic makes an emotional return to Dallas and shines with a 45-point performance in his first game as a Laker

Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was always going to be emotional, but no one could have predicted just how moving it would be. Before the game even started, the Mavericks aired a more than two-minute tribute video celebrating Luka’s time in Dallas. From his early days as the 2018-2019 NBA Rookie of the Year to his role as a scoring champion and Finals contender, the video showcased his incredible journey with the team.

As Doncic watched the video from the bench, he was overcome with emotion, wiping away tears. "After that video, I was like, there’s no way I’m playing this game," he admitted. The memories came flooding back, and for a moment, it felt like the game might be too much to handle. But Luka’s resolve proved stronger than his emotions. “I just went out there and played basketball,” he said, shaking off the wave of nostalgia and stepping onto the court.


Despite the emotional turbulence, Doncic showed no signs of slowing down once the game began. In classic Luka fashion, he put on a basketball clinic, matching his season-high with 45 points in a performance that would go down as one of the most memorable of his career. He wasted no time making an impact, racking up 14 points in the first 10 and a half minutes, including three 3-pointers that had the crowd buzzing.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Doncic’s ability to perform at such a high level despite the emotional weight of the situation. "His ability to then go perform, lights turn on, he’s teary-eyed still as we walk out on the court for the tip ball. To have the emotional resolve to then go put on that kind of performance, it’s superhuman," Redick said. Doncic didn’t just play; he excelled, leading the Lakers to a 112-97 victory that secured their playoff spot.


As expected, the Mavericks faithful made their feelings known throughout the game. Despite the trade, many fans still held deep affection for Luka. From loud cheers to standing ovations, the crowd made it clear that their bond with their former star hadn’t been broken. To honor him, the Mavericks had T-shirts draped over every seat in the arena with the words "Hvala za vse"—a Slovenian phrase meaning "Thank you for everything."

However, not all the reactions were positive. The trade that sent Luka to the Lakers and brought Anthony Davis to Dallas has stirred controversy in Dallas. Fans were quick to voice their displeasure with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, chanting "Fire Nico!" whenever they saw him on the screen. The protests, which began with a mock funeral outside the arena the day after the trade, have continued to simmer. There was no official protest before the game, but the angry chants and visible frustration were a clear indication of the discontent still lingering among Dallas fans.


The February trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers was a seismic shift in the NBA, one that has had major implications for both teams involved. The deal also brought Anthony Davis to Dallas, but the early results have been mixed for both sides. Since the trade, the Lakers have thrived with Luka, posting a 21-12 record and a 17-9 mark in games he has played. Luka’s presence has been the catalyst for their success, and his performance in this game highlighted just how well he has fit into his new role.

On the other hand, Dallas has struggled. The Mavericks have posted a 12-19 record since the trade, and while Davis has shown glimpses of brilliance, he has only played in eight games for Dallas due to injury. Still, Doncic, now settled in Los Angeles, doesn’t hold any ill will. “It was a little bit of both, happy and angry,” Luka said about his feelings toward the trade. “But it’s nice to see some familiar faces here.”

The comparison between the two players, who were traded for one another, will likely continue, but Luka remains confident in Davis’ ability to thrive in Dallas, saying, "I think he’s an amazing player and I think he’s going to do really good in Dallas."

Despite the chaos of the trade, Luka Doncic’s emotional return to Dallas proved that, while the jerseys may change, the memories and impact a player leaves on a city last forever.