Luka Doncic Returns to Dallas with Emotion and Dominance

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic‘s return to Dallas was laden with emotions as he met his former team for the first time since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. During the game on April 9, 2025, Doncic was honored by the Mavericks with a heartfelt tribute video that moved him to tears.

“After that video, I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game,’” Doncic said. “It was so many emotions, but I just went out there and played basketball.” The 26-year-old Slovene didn’t just play; he excelled, scoring a season-high 45 points, leading the Lakers to a 112-97 victory that secured their playoff spot.

Doncic’s impressive performance was complemented by eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals, showcasing why he was one of Dallas’s most cherished players during his 6½ seasons with the franchise. The Lakers coach, JJ Redick, praised Doncic’s resilience and emotional strength. “It was a beautiful moment. The ability to then go perform, lights turn on, and he’s teary-eyed, putting on that kind of performance, it’s superhuman,” Redick said.

The atmosphere in the American Airlines Center was electric, filled with mixed sentiments from the crowd. While Doncic received roaring cheers throughout the night, chants of “Fire Nico!” echoed in the arena, directed at Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, responsible for the player trade.

Doncic reflected on the outpouring of support from both fans and teammates. “It was a little bit of both, happy and angry,” he noted, acknowledging the emotional complexity of his return. Fans were likewise engaged, wearing T-shirts reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates to “Thank you for everything,” and some prepared unique displays of affection, such as wearing Doncic jerseys with altered logos.

As the game progressed, Doncic quickly found his rhythm, ending the first quarter with 14 points. His offensive prowess remained strong, scoring 31 points by halftime and demonstrating an impressive shooting percentage throughout the match. Doncic’s teammates provided support, including LeBron James, who added 27 points in the fourth quarter to help secure the win.

“The only concern was to support him in every way we could throughout the game,” James said regarding Doncic. “It was all about making sure we were there for him.” The Lakers took a decisive lead, overcoming a brief surge from the Mavericks, which included a three-pointer from Klay Thompson that temporarily put Dallas ahead.

Reflecting on the sentiment surrounding his return, Doncic expressed gratitude for the recognition he received from fans and former teammates, including Mark Cuban and Dirk Nowitzki. “It’s amazing to see familiar faces,” he said. “I really appreciate the fans, the way they reacted to me.”

The matchup also served as a poignant moment for Anthony Davis, who transferred to the Mavericks as part of the trade that brought Doncic to Los Angeles. Davis finished the game with 13 points. Commenting on the experience of playing against a former teammate, Davis remarked, “It’s different. It was just strange, considering we played so long together.”

Though Doncic navigated a range of emotions during his return, the night culminated in a celebration of his past accomplishments while setting the stage for his future with the Lakers. “I’m grateful for this experience,” Doncic said. “Now that it’s behind me, I can focus on different things.”

The Lakers’ victory marked a significant milestone in their season, clinching a top-six seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket and providing a much-needed advantage as the postseason approaches. With Doncic’s talent now in the mix, the Lakers have positioned themselves as strong contenders for a deep playoff run.