Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“It’s going to be very emotional for me” – Lakers’ Luka Doncic Opens Up on His Return to Dallas

Since the blockbuster trade, Doncic averaged 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game for the Lakers.

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are just one win away to clinch NBA playoffs and they are heading to Texas for a highly-anticipated clash against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. It will be the first time Luka Doncic will play against his former team in Dallas.

The Lakers enter the fixture with a 120-136 loss to the Thunder and eye a crucial victory against the short-handed Mavs. Luka Doncic, who faced ejection in the fourth quarter in Oklahoma City, is facing the heat of the game against the Mavs.

Also Read: “Full of Sh*t,” Mike Malone’s Post-Blazers Rant Precedes Shocking Nuggets Exit

Emotional are flowing for Luka Doncic ahead of the return to Texas

Following the Lakers’ defeat against the Thunder, Luka Doncic shared a thought on his upcoming return to Dallas. During the post-game press conference, the five-time All-Star said it will be an emotional night playing against his former team in American Airlines Center.

“I don’t really know what to expect. I don’t know how I’m going to feel, honestly,” Luka said. “I’m looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates — ex-teammates. It’s going to be very emotional for me, for sure.”

Luka Doncic on returning to Dallas: "I don't really know what to expect. I don't know how I'm going to feel, honestly. I'm looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates — ex-teammates. It's going to be very emotional for me, for sure."
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 9, 2025

Luka Doncic earned his all five NBA All-Star selections with the Mavericks during a six-and-half season stint. Last year, the 25-year-old was also part of the Mavs’ first NBA Finals appearance since 2011. Since the blockbuster trade, Doncic averaged 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game for the Lakers.

Also Read: NBA Western Conference Playoff Picture- How many spots are still up for grabs in the Western Conference?

Both teams last met each other on Feb. 25 when Luka faced the Mavs for the first time since being traded to the Lakers. Doncic was on the winning side as the Lakers squeezed past the Mavs 107-99. The five-time All-Star scored a triple-double against the former team and hugged Kyrie Irving before the game.

Anthony Davis, who will play against the Lakers for the first time since the trade, also shared his thoughts on this matchup. Anthony Davis was not part of both teams’ previous game on Feb. 25 due to an injury. He considered the Lakers-Mavericks matchup as just another game.

“It’s just another game. Y’all make it bigger than it needs to be. Another game for me. It will be Luka’s first time back, so might be a lot of emotions for him”, Anthony Davis said.

Anthony Davis on the Mavs-Lakers game tomorrow night:

“It’s just another game. Y’all make it bigger than it needs to be. Another game for me. It will be Luka’s first time back, so might be a lot of emotions for him…”

(via @JoeyMistretta_) pic.twitter.com/ljxcRuL3Mk
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) April 8, 2025

Apart from Luka Doncic’s return to Texas, this game is important for both teams ahead of the crucial playoff stage. The Lakers want to maintain their grip on the third place in the West and they need one win to clinch a playoff spot. On the other hand, the Mavericks are looking to secure their spot in the Play-In Tournament with a win.

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Anthony Davis

Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.