The Dallas Mavericks welcomed its former franchise star Luka Dončić of the L.A. Lakers again within the American Airways Heart for the primary time for the reason that surprising commerce that had occurred again in February.
Many followers on the Lakers vs. Mavericks recreation wore Dončić’s jerseys, whereas some sported cut up Lakers-Mavs jerseys that includes Doncic.
Tons of Luka Doncic jerseys have flooded the American Airways Heart tonight.
Some cut up Lakers-Mavs Doncic jerseys right here. pic.twitter.com/Rc0LpeOD7a
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 9, 2025
Earlier than the Dallas Mavericks took on the visiting Lakers, the workforce gave away shirts on the seats that mentioned, “Hvala za vse, Luka!”. Which means ‘thanks for every part’ in Slovenian.
When Dončić and the Lakers entered contained in the American Airways Heart, he gave staffers he knew from his tenure in Dallas a hug.
The workforce additionally performed a tribute video showcasing Dončić’s contributions to the franchise since he was acquired by a commerce on the night time of the 2018 NBA Draft. Because the followers and Dončić watched the movies, “Luka Magic” was seen emotional and tearful on the Lakers’ bench. His teammate, ahead 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 followers anticipated Dončić to remain in Dallas long-term, particularly after he took the torch from Dirk Nowitzki, who retired in 2019 after enjoying for the workforce for 21 seasons. Nowitzki led the Mavericks to the franchise’s solely NBA Championship in 2011, and followers had anticipated Dončić to sooner or later do the identical. Nowitzki was additionally in attendance on Wednesday night time. It was the second recreation he has attended for the reason that commerce happened.
“[Maverick fans] actually did suppose [Luka Dončić] took the torch from Dirk, and was going to be theirs without end,” ESPN analyst Tim McMahon mentioned pregame.
Because the nationally televised matchup commenced, followers erupted in cheers as Dončić sank his first basket in entrance of the Mavs’ passionate crowd, evoking a way of nostalgia. Moreover, each time when Doncic had the possession for his new workforce, the followers of his former workforce chanted “MVP.”
In his return to Dallas, Dončić performed 38 minutes and was on a triple-double watch with 45 factors, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists within the Lakers’ 112-97 victory. With the win, Los Angeles clinched a spot within the postseason, whereas Dallas continues to be contending to take part within the Play-In Match.
Final season, after all, Dončić and guard Kyrie Irving led the Mavs to a shock run to the NBA Finals, the place it fell to the Boston Celtics. “We have been the underdogs in each sequence,” Dončić mentioned in regards to the Mavericks’ run to the championship spherical. “The way in which we got here collectively, performed collectively. The way in which we got here collectively, performed collectively it was simply one other degree.”
Every time a Los Angeles Lakers participant headed to the free-throw line, followers loudly chanted, “Fireplace Nico (Harrison),” the final supervisor who determined to make the beautiful commerce. Harrison was in attendance and was seen listening to the followers’ chants whereas concentrating on the sport.
Some hoops followers know Harrison from his days as a Nike government when he bombed a gathering with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, who signed an endorsement take care of Below Armour. Many extra followers now know him for the commerce and there are some in Dallas who will always remember or forgive.
Luka mentioned he didn’t sleep effectively final night time “I used to be enthusiastic about this recreation.”
And when he arrived on the American Airways Heart at present, he felt “little little bit of each feelings – completely happy and indignant.
He additionally mentioned he appreciated the followers and the way they reacted tonight. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/khshjjSpiK
— Dorothy J. Gentry (@DorothyJGentry) April 10, 2025
After the sport concluded, Dončić gathered round along with his former teammates on the Mavericks and interacted with them. Dončić mentioned on the postgame interview on ESPN, “I do not know the way I did it. As a result of once I was watching that video, I used to be like, ‘There is not any manner I am enjoying this recreation.'”
It was an evening crammed with a mixture of bittersweet feelings for Mavericks followers and Dončić supporters across the globe—an attractive mix of candy recollections and heartfelt moments that left a long-lasting impression.
