In this season’s most anticipated game, Luka Doncic made his return to Dallas for the first time since the Dallas Mavericks traded him to the L.A. Lakers in February. Arena-wide chants of “Fire Nico” boomed around the building numerous times throughout the night as fans expressed their disappointment with the trade. After a very emotional introduction, Doncic got his revenge with 45 points, eight rebounds and six assists to lead the Lakers to a win.
L.A. clinched a top-six playoff spot with the win over Dallas as they continue to fight to secure the 3rd seed.
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Doncic had one of the most inspiring returns of any player in NBA history and the NBA world was feeling the emotions.
He was never gonna leave… https://t.co/NSkva1tGy6
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 10, 2025
Mavericks fans are cheering when Luka makes a shot as if he’s still on the Mavs.
This is crazy.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 9, 2025
77 !!!!!!!
— Quentin Grimes (@qdotgrimes) April 10, 2025
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The whole thing still doesn't feel like real life.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) April 10, 2025
He’s in gr8 hands now. ???????? Lakers in ✋???? https://t.co/A9Zihx44zd
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 10, 2025
I have to give it to Luka. Dealing with the emotions and still having the Killer mentality to go out there give boys that work was something Special to witness tonight
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 10, 2025
Legendary players do legendary things.
In a moment that will go down in Mavericks history, Luka Doncic started the night off in tears, and ended the night with 45-8-6 & a full, extended standing ovation from the “road” crowd. https://t.co/cbQMUzUQNg
— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 10, 2025
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
