Luka Doncic’s first return to Dallas as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers was an emotional rollercoaster, culminating in a dominant 112-97 victory over the Mavericks. The 26-year-old scored a season-high 45 points, helping the Lakers (49-31) secure a playoff berth with two regular-season games remaining.
When asked about his emotional journey from the pregame video tribute to his performance, Doncic shared, “Good question. I don’t really know. Like I said in the postgame interview, after that video, I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.’ It was so many emotions. But you know, I just went out there and played basketball.”
Despite the flood of emotions, Doncic quickly turned his focus to the game. He finished the night with 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals, giving his new team a much-needed victory.
During a critical moment in the game, with the Lakers leading and Doncic on the bench, the crowd erupted in chants of “Luka.” His teammates on the Lakers joined in, creating an unforgettable scene. “Big time. They all had my back. That’s what we talked about before the game, and everybody had my back, from coaches to players. We’re trying to build something special here, and that was really, really nice to see,” Doncic said, reflecting on the support from his new squad.
For Luka, the return to Dallas was a mix of conflicting emotions. “It was a little bit of both—happy and angry,” he explained. “But you know, it’s nice to see some familiar faces here. I spent a lot of time with them. But like you said, there were a lot of emotions when I woke up. I was tired, to be honest. I didn’t sleep much. I was excited about this game, and I really appreciate the fans, the way they reacted to me.”
As the game wound down, Luka couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of the night. After checking out with just over a minute remaining, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates. “Honestly, I don’t really know. I wasn’t even thinking. I was just happy. I wasn’t really thinking. I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say. I was just sitting there. It’s over, you know? We won, and I had a great time.”
Though Luka’s emotions were still fresh, he acknowledged the importance of the game for both him and the Lakers. “First one was big time, that we clinched a playoff spot. It’s big time. You don’t want to play in the play-in. You get some rest. But obviously, we want the third seed, and we’re going to go after it for sure,” he stated, clearly focused on securing the best possible position for the postseason.
Before the game, a tribute video of Luka’s time in Dallas played, sparking a flood of memories for the star. “I mean, all of it for sure. But I’d probably say that shot in the conference finals. We were always the underdog in every series, so the way we came together and played as a team, it was just another level. Everybody was locked in, and I would say that was the moment I remember most,” Doncic said, recalling one of his most significant career moments with the Mavericks.
Luka also shared a heartfelt moment with Anthony Davis, who was traded to the Mavericks in February as part of the deal that sent Doncic to Los Angeles. “I mean, those are my brothers. I know we’re not on the same team now, but I always have contact with them. We went through wars together. It was just nice to see everybody. With AD, we got traded for each other, so from now on, everybody’s going to compare us. I think he’s an amazing player, and I think he’s going to do really well in Dallas,” Doncic remarked.
When asked if he had found closure after this game, Luka offered a nuanced answer. “It’s a hard question. For sure, it’s a little bit more about closure now. Talking about it is hard. Like I said, I spent a lot of time here, great moments. But it’s like I say, it’s getting more and more. I’ve got to focus on different things now.”
The game marked a significant shift in Luka’s career as he embraces a new chapter with the Lakers. The team’s 112-97 victory secured their place in the playoffs and brought Luka’s return to Dallas full circle. With the victory, the Lakers remained third in the West, keeping them on track for a strong postseason push.
