Luka Doncic will return to Texas when his Los Angeles Lakers face the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center this Wednesday, and his former head coach Jason Kidd implored the home crowd to cheer for their former star.
“Understanding the emotion for his (Doncic) return, I think it’s just about the game. He scores, take the ball out and go the other way,” Kidd told reporters via ClutchPoints’ Joey Mistretta. “Fans have a right to cheer. Understanding what he has done for this franchise in a short time and I think that’s right. The big thing for us is to stay in the moment, focus on what’s in front of us. Just play the game. Understanding there is going to be a lot of emotions and a lot of cheers. Also, the Lakers travel well.”
“I’ve been with both sides, I’ve been with the Lakers. Understanding that they do travel well. But also, the fans should show their appreciation for Luka. There’s no doubt. They have that right. They should cheer for him. He’s one that has entertained since his rookie year. So I think it’s safe to say that they should cheer. But for us it’s about trying to find a way to win,” he added.
Dallas Mavericks fans never wanted Luka Doncic to leave their team in the first place, so they’re still reeling from the blockbuster trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers last February.
Dallas Mavericks in pole position to get final play-in spot in the Western Conference
The Dallas Mavericks are 10th in the Western Conference with a 38-41 record, with only the Phoenix Suns (35-44). They recently recorded back-to-back losses against the Los Angeles Clippers.
In the 135-104 defeat last Saturday, Dallas couldn’t slow down Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac, who combined for 83 points.
Anthony Davis (adductor) returned from a one-game absence and dropped 27 points and nine rebounds on 8-for-19 shooting from the field and 10-for-13 from the charity stripe. They need this again from him when the Purple and Gold visit town.
