Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

WATCH: Luka Doncic Gets Emotional Watching Tribute Video On Return to Dallas for the First Time Since Trade

It was an emotional homecoming for Luka Doncic.

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

It was an emotional homecoming for Luka Doncic! The newest sensation of the Los Angeles Lakers visited his former home for the first time since he was traded in a shocking deal, which also sent former Laker Anthony Davis to Dallas. As it was his first visit to Texas in Purple and Gold colors, the Mavericks had a special tribute for him, which left Doncic in tears.

The Mavs played a tribute video when Luka Doncic, and the 27-year-old couldn’t help but teared up watching the memories he created in Dallas. Following the video, he got up and was embraced by his teammates, including LeBron James and Markieff Morris.

There were t-shirts placed on every seat at the American Airlines Arena that read, “Thanks for Everything” in Slovenian to honor Luka Doncic’s contribution for the Mavericks.

What Dallas means to Luka 💙

77 reacts to the Mavs' tribute video for him ahead of his Dallas debut with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/Y3gRfmEnAx
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 10, 2025

Notably, in his first post trade, Doncic said that he had thought he would spend his career in a city that “will always feel like a home away from home.” It indicates that the Slovenian didn’t want to be traded. Doncic played over six seasons in Dallas, and played a total of 422 regular season games from 2018 to 2025. During his stint, he posted impressive averages of 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 34.9 minutes per game.

Ahead of Wednesday night’s game, the newest Lakers sensation opened up about visiting Dallas. He said, “I’m excited to be back here. I know the fans can appreciate me being back here. But honestly, I don’t know. I don’t know how I’m gonna feel, but I’m just excited to be back.”

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

Luka Doncic Drops Season-High Performance to Lead Lakers to Clinch Playoff Spot

The game saw Luka Doncic dropping a season-high performance to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-97 win. Doncic finished with 45 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, to help the Lakers bounce back from loss against the Thunder. He recorded six assists, four steals and had seven three-points, to help the Lakers secure their playoff berth.

The Lakers clinch a top 6 seed in the Western Conference of the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google! pic.twitter.com/9oUUtG9Lu1
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2025

Not only this, but Doncic is also the fastest player in Lakers history to record 750+ points, 200+ rebounds and 200+ assists. Reflecting on his performance, Doncic said, “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.'”

Apart from him, LeBron James came up with 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Rui Hachimura finished with 15 points, two rebounds and two assists.

In their last regular-season games, the Lakers will clash against the Rockets and the Trail Blazers.

Also Read: “I Expect Excellence From Everyone” – LeBron James Weighs on How He Unfairly Holds Younger Players To a High Standard of Excellence

Dallas Mavericks

LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.