Luka Doncic’s highly anticipated return to Dallas on February 25. He even played with the Los Angeles Lakers against the team that had long since come to define his early career. As Doncic prepared to enter the game, Dallas fans were ready to erupt. They embraced him upon his return, having once known him as the heart and soul of the Mavericks. The energy in the arena was electrifying. Each seat was covered with a t-shirt that said Hvala za vse, or Thank you for everything.
Clad in his distinctive No. 77 jersey, Doncic paid tribute to the uniform he’s sported for the last five and a half seasons with the Mavs. He battled his old squad in an intense game filled with drama. By the end of last year’s playoffs, Doncic had propelled the Mavericks all the way to the NBA Finals. He went on to win the NBA scoring title as well. His surprise departure—as a college football player no less—had left fans and players alike reeling and made this game all the more important.
Only 23 days after Anthony Davis’s blockbuster trade to the Lakers, the matchup created instant buzz. Needless to say, this new twist only deepened the drama of the meeting. Doncic, who had struggled with mixed emotions about playing against his former teammates, noted, “Honestly, I don’t know about closure. It’s obviously a lot.” As the game commenced, fans directed chants of “Fire Nico!” toward Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, whose decision to trade Doncic sparked considerable controversy.
In the opening period, Doncic got loose pretty quick, scoring 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting. By halftime, he had cemented himself as the most influential player on the court. When he got back, he didn’t allow that tension to get the best of him. He put the world on notice with his remarkable exploits, capping the game with an amazing 45-8-6 line. The Lakers went on to defeat the Mavericks 112-97.
Reflecting on the experience after the game, Doncic revealed just how powerful the emotional toll of going back to Dallas hit him. To be frank, I’m not sure how I’m going to react, but I’m just looking forward to being back.”
As people mingled, the evening was filled with nostalgia and the excitement of what’s possible. Doncic appreciated how the fans never wavered, even during all of those difficult times when he was in a Mavericks uniform. JJ Redick, a former NBA player and commentator, remarked on the emotional nature of such returns, saying, “That first time back is always emotional and there’s no predicting how you’re going to feel.”
As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that Doncic’s return had left a lasting impact—not only on him but on those who had watched him grow into one of basketball’s brightest stars. His path began as an adolescent player in Dallas. Today he continues to make history as a celebrated Lakers player, representing in his person both change and continuity within professional basketball.