It has been over two months since Luka Dončić joined the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that still feels unusual for many. The Dallas Mavericks surprised Dončić, their fans, and the NBA world on February 1st by trading him to the Lakers. The deal centered around Anthony Davis.
Since Dončić joined, the Lakers have been successful, currently holding the third spot in the Western Conference. Wednesday night`s game is important for the Lakers as they aim to solidify their position in the Western playoffs. However, the game is even more significant because it marks Luka`s first game back in Dallas.
The Mavericks are hosting Dončić and the Lakers for the first time since the trade. This is Dallas fans` first opportunity to see their former star player back at the American Airlines Center. Dončić previously played against his old team in Los Angeles in February, achieving a 19-point triple-double in a Lakers victory.
Things are positive for the Lakers, and Dončić appears comfortable with his new team. Conversely, the Mavericks are heading towards the Play-In Tournament, just ten months after reaching the NBA Finals. They have also faced numerous injuries, starting with Davis`s injury in his Mavericks debut in February, followed by Kyrie Irving`s season-ending ACL injury in March.
The two teams are on different paths. Now, the Mavericks must face Dončić in Dallas, where the majority of fans will likely support the Slovenian star. Emotions are expected to be high. Fans will likely show Dončić love, while Mavericks ownership and General Manager Nico Harrison might face chants and boos if they are present. Here`s a preview of Doncic`s anticipated return.
Mavericks planning tribute video, shirts for fans
It`s expected that the Mavericks will play a tribute video for Dončić, given his significant impact and success with the franchise. This will allow Dallas fans to express their appreciation for Doncic before the game. “Luka” chants are anticipated, and possibly some “Fire Nico” chants as well.
Doncic`s reaction to the Mavericks fans` affection will be interesting. He has spoken about the challenges of this transition. He will likely show love to the fans, but his emotional state is uncertain when he receives a standing ovation from Mavericks fans who are still disappointed he is no longer playing for them.
In addition to the video tribute, the Mavericks are giving fans T-shirts at the arena that say “Thank you for everything” in Slovenian.
This is a nice memento for Mavericks fans on what will be an emotional night. However, not all of the Mavericks` plans for this night were approved. The team attempted to partner with sponsors that Dončić endorses, but his team declined, according to ESPN.
What Luka has said about return
This game is not ordinary for Dončić, the Lakers, or the Mavericks. He will be in the visitor`s locker room for the first time in his NBA career. After a recent game, Dončić mentioned that he anticipates a lot of emotion upon his return to Dallas.
`There`s going to be a lot of emotion for me,` Dončić said. `I don`t really know what to expect. I don`t know how I`m going to feel, honestly. I`m looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates — ex-teammates. It`s going to be very emotional for me, for sure.`
LeBron James, Dončić`s teammate, also commented on the Dallas game, emphasizing the importance of supporting their new teammate.
`I think it`s very important,` James said. `I mean, it`s camaraderie. It`s holding each other down whenever we face anything. And I think [Wednesday`s] going to be a lot of emotions going through Luka, both the interior and then exterior. And it`s our job just to do our job. If we do our job on the floor, then we`ll help him tremendously.`
Playoff seeding ramifications
Beyond the emotional aspect of Dončić`s return, this game has playoff implications. The Lakers are currently third in the West but haven`t secured a playoff spot yet. A loss would increase the pressure on them for their next game. While the Lakers hold tiebreakers over teams below them, losses could cause them to drop in the standings if other teams win.
For the Mavericks, who are tenth in the West, the stakes are lower, but they still have a chance to move up to ninth and host a play-in game. A win against the Lakers would help them close the gap with the Sacramento Kings for ninth place. Securing a play-in spot is still important for Dallas.
Jasper Hawthorne