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The Dallas Mavericks welcomed its former franchise star Luka Dončić of the L.A. Lakers back in the American Airlines Center for the first time since the shocking trade that had happened back in February.
Many fans at the Lakers vs. Mavericks game wore Dončić’s jerseys, while some sported split Lakers-Mavs jerseys featuring Doncic.
Tons of Luka Doncic jerseys have flooded the American Airlines Center tonight.
Some split Lakers-Mavs Doncic jerseys here. pic.twitter.com/Rc0LpeOD7a
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 9, 2025
Before the Dallas Mavericks took on the visiting Lakers, the team gave away shirts on the seats that said, “Hvala za vse, Luka!”. That means ‘thank you for everything’ in Slovenian.
When Dončić and the Lakers entered inside the American Airlines Center, he gave staffers he knew from his tenure in Dallas a hug.
The team also played a tribute video showcasing Dončić’s contributions to the franchise since he was acquired through a trade on the night of the 2018 NBA Draft. As the fans and Dončić watched the videos, “Luka Magic” was seen emotional and tearful on the Lakers’ bench. His teammate, forward LeBron James, comforted Doncic by hugging him.
Luka wiping tears after watching Mavs tribute video 🥺 pic.twitter.com/9tYtzdW3A0
— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2025
Many fans expected Dončić to stay in Dallas long-term, especially after he took the torch from Dirk Nowitzki, who retired in 2019 after playing for the team for 21 seasons. Nowitzki led the Mavericks to the franchise’s only NBA Championship in 2011, and fans had expected Dončić to one day do the same. Nowitzki was also in attendance on Wednesday night. It was the second game he has attended since the trade took place.
“[Maverick fans] really did think [Luka Dončić] took the torch from Dirk, and was going to be theirs forever,” ESPN analyst Tim McMahon said pregame.
As the nationally televised matchup commenced, fans erupted in cheers as Dončić sank his first basket in front of the Mavs’ passionate crowd, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Additionally, every time when Doncic had the possession for his new team, the fans of his former team chanted “MVP.”
In his return to Dallas, Dončić played 38 minutes and was on a triple-double watch with 45 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in the Lakers’ 112-97 victory. With the win, Los Angeles clinched a spot in the postseason, while Dallas is still contending to participate in the Play-In Tournament.
Last season, of course, Dončić and guard Kyrie Irving led the Mavs to a surprise run to the NBA Finals, where it fell to the Boston Celtics. “We were the underdogs in every series,” Dončić said about the Mavericks’ run to the championship round. “The way we came together, played together. The way we came together, played together it was just another level.”
Whenever a Los Angeles Lakers player headed to the free-throw line, fans loudly chanted, “Fire Nico (Harrison),” the general manager who decided to make the stunning trade. Harrison was in attendance and was seen listening to the fans’ chants while concentrating on the game.
Some hoops fans know Harrison from his days as a Nike executive when he bombed a meeting with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, who signed an endorsement deal with Under Armour. Many more fans now know him for the trade and there are some in Dallas who will never forget or forgive.
Luka said he didn’t sleep well last night “I was excited about this game.”
And when he arrived at the American Airlines Center today, he felt “little bit of both emotions – happy and angry.
He also said he appreciated the fans and how they reacted tonight. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/khshjjSpiK
— Dorothy J. Gentry (@DorothyJGentry) April 10, 2025
After the game concluded, Dončić gathered around with his former teammates on the Mavericks and interacted with them. Dončić said on the postgame interview on ESPN, “I don’t know how I did it. Because when I was watching that video, I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.'”
It was a night filled with a mix of bittersweet emotions for Mavericks fans and Dončić supporters around the globe—a beautiful blend of sweet memories and heartfelt moments that left a lasting impression.
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