Returning to a place you once called home can stir up all kinds of emotions—especially when you’re doing it in a rival jersey.
That’s exactly what happened when Luka Doncic stepped back onto the court in Dallas, not as a Maverick, but wearing the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers.
His homecoming wasn’t just emotional—it was electric.
Luka poured in a jaw-dropping 45 points, reminding the Mavericks and their fans exactly what they lost.
A Standing Ovation and a Tribute That Brought Luka to Tears
Before the game even tipped off, Dallas fans showed Luka nothing but love.
The Mavericks organization played a heartfelt tribute video on the jumbotron, highlighting his journey from draft day to his final game in a Dallas uniform.
Sitting on the bench in his Lakers gear, the 25-year-old couldn’t hide his emotions. At one point, he covered his face with a towel, clearly moved by the montage and the crowd’s ovation.
Fans cheered loudly for him during warmups and again when his name was called during player introductions.
It was a touching moment that showed just how much he meant—and still means—to Dallas.
The First Game Back—and a Dominant Performance
This wasn’t just any regular-season game. It marked Luka’s first time back in Dallas since being traded to the Lakers back in February—a move that shook up the entire NBA.
Despite recovering from a calf injury around the time of the trade, he showed no signs of rust.
By halftime, Luka had already dropped 31 points, and the Lakers led 60-57.
He finished the night with a monster 45-point performance, leading his new team to a decisive 112-97 win over his old squad.
Anthony Davis Faces His Former Team Too—But Struggles
This blockbuster trade wasn’t just about Luka. The deal also sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.
Wednesday’s game marked his own first matchup against his former team, but unlike Luka, Davis had a quiet night.
He scored just 13 points and couldn’t help Dallas close the gap as they fell to the Lakers on their home floor.
The Playoff Push Is Real for the Lakers
With only two games remaining in the regular season, the Lakers are gunning for the third seed in the Western Conference.
They’ll close out the schedule against the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers before heading into what could be a thrilling playoff run.
Luka and LeBron have already made a statement—and if Wednesday night was any indication, this duo might just be hitting their stride at the perfect time.