Luka Dončić made his emotional return to Dallas on Wednesday, and with the eyes of the world watching, posted a magnificent 45 points en route to a huge victory for the Los Angeles Lakers. Dončić was visibly emotional throughout the evening, particularly during the tribute video during the player introductions. However, he was able to still put on a tremendous display for all the fans.
Luka Dončić Marks Return to Dallas With A Huge Performance
Luka Dončić was determined to play well against his old team, and got started quickly. He had a quick 14 points in under 11 minutes, with home and away fans alike cheering every time he touched the ball and erupting when he put it through the net. His usual display of step-back three-pointers, magical drives to the hoop, and dazzling passes were a welcome sign for every Mavericks fan.
Dončić ended with 45 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. He made 7 of his 10 three-pointers and 16 of his 28 total shots. Understandably, there was a concerted effort by the entire Los Angeles Lakers team to get him the ball early and often.
Dončić exited the game to the largest applause of the night, and his thoughtful postgame comments showered appreciation onto the city that welcomed him into his adulthood and continue to cheer for him to this day, no matter what jersey he is wearing.
Fans React to Luka Dončić’s Special Night
There were plenty of celebrities in the house to welcome Dončić home, including Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks legend and former teammate of Luka’s. NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes was also in attendance. Every fan in the arena was thankful for Luka’s display.
Luka Doncic is every Dallas Mavericks’ Fan right now. He loves Dallas and Dallas loves him back. pic.twitter.com/6Nu8wItqxe
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 10, 2025
Luka was holding back tears and could barely even watch that tribute. Top 5 player in the world who wanted to spend his entire career in that Mavs jersey and they shipped him out. I will never understand that move. Ever.
— ✨🦫America Is Musty🦫✨ (@DragonflyJonez) April 9, 2025
Six years apart, Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki both were emotional in the AAC.
Two different stories. Two different stories that should have never been different. pic.twitter.com/mEZ9widcVh
— Berkan MFFL (@BerkanMFFL) April 9, 2025
Watching the Luka Doncic tribute video has me feeling so awful for Mavs fans. The kid grew up in a city so far from home and they loved him.
They don’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve this.
Nico Harrison will never be forgiven for this in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/BJslzmhkTR
— BBallBums (@BBallBums) April 9, 2025
This all is just so surreal. Still. I cannot believe the Dallas Mavericks did this. Trading Luka Dončić was the most incomprehensible move in NBA history.
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) April 9, 2025
Luka Doncic comes to the bench during a timeout after tying his season high with 45 points and his Laker teammates joined in on the “Luka! Luka!” chant from the crowd. pic.twitter.com/Q7O0ohzX9J
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 10, 2025
Luka Doncic moves into the top 10 in all-time 45-PT games in Lakers history.
He ties Wilt & Kareem for 9th. pic.twitter.com/bqH5ZE5E6I
— Real Sports (@realapp_) April 10, 2025
LeBron James had 27 points of his own, while Rui Hachimura also had a good game with 15 points. While it was a massive night for Dončić on a personal level, it was also a huge night for the Lakers in their playoff push. The win gives them more distance from a large pack of Western Conference teams and will help them secure home-court advantage heading into the postseason next week.
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