Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas started with tears.
It ended with a lot of smiles.
Doncic scored a game-high 45 points with eight rebounds and six assists in the Lakers’ 112-97 win over the Mavericks on Wednesday night.
Luka Doncic, who scored 45 points, reacts after missing a shot during the Lakers’ 112-97 win over the Mavericks. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images“Happy and angry, but it was nice to see some familiar faces here,” Doncic said about his return. “But there were a lot of emotions. When I woke up, I was tired. I didn’t sleep much as I was excited about this game.”
Not only did the Lakers win, they guaranteed themselves a top-six spot in the Western Conference playoffs, meaning they automatically avoid the play-in round.
Luka Doncic gets a hug from LeBron James late in the second half of the Lakers’ win over Mavericks. APIt was an emotional night for Doncic, who was back in Dallas for the first time since he was shockingly traded to the Lakers earlier this season.
The deal caused massive outrage among Mavericks fans, and it was evident that those feelings were still there as the American Airlines Center crowd chanted “Fire Nico” at several points during the night, referring to Dallas general manager Nico Harrison.
Doncic was given a hero’s welcome throughout the night, which included a tribute video during player introductions that had him fighting back tears.
“After that video, I was like, there’s no way I’m playing this game,” Doncic said. “So many moments, and I just went out there and just played basketball.”
He was cheered every time he touched the ball on Wednesday night, and when he checked out of the game for the final time, he was given a standing ovation.
He returned the warmth by applauding the fans right back.
“The moment with the tribute video and him sitting by himself and getting to actually live that and live in the moment and allowing himself to be vulnerable, and his teammates supporting. Some of his teammates got emotional, some of the coaches got emotional,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “It was a beautiful moment. I thought the video was great, but 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 put on that kind of performance, it’s superhuman and I think all his teammates know that too.”
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 9, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. Getty Images
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers embraces Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks after the game at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. Getty ImagesThe 45 points for Doncic match a season-high that he set on Dec. 15, his third-to-last game played in a Mavericks uniform.
It marked the first game of 40 or more points while with Los Angeles.
“Now I can get some sleep finally,” Doncic said.
