In today`s NBA, star players often face boos when they return to their former team`s arena because they chose to leave. However, this was not the case for Luka Dončić. It was widely expected that the five-time All-NBA point guard would sign a supermax contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks this past offseason. Unexpectedly, the Mavericks decided against making such a commitment and controversially traded Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
On Wednesday, Dončić played in Dallas for the first time as a Laker, and the game was truly exciting. Dončić played exceptionally well in the first quarter, but Dallas remained competitive, even taking the lead in the fourth quarter after being down by double digits in the second half. Ultimately, the Lakers` superior talent prevailed. Dončić scored 45 points in the Lakers` 112-97 victory, while LeBron James added 13 points in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
The Lakers are now just one win away from securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Mavericks were given a stark reminder of what they lost by trading away their homegrown star, who is now shining in Los Angeles. Here are some of the most memorable moments from Dončić`s return to Dallas.
Luka Enters the Arena
Dončić arrived at the arena several hours before the game, allowing plenty of time for reunions with familiar faces. Cameras captured his arrival in the tunnel, where he was seen greeting several Mavericks staff members with hugs. Undoubtedly, there were many more reunions that cameras didn`t capture.
A Warm Welcome from the Fans
While Dallas staff were excited to welcome Dončić back, the fan reception was even more impressive. The city of Dallas has been in an uproar since the trade (more on that later), and fans at the American Airlines Center were eager to show their support for their former star player. The cheers for Dončić were consistent from his first steps onto the court until the end of the game.
A Tearful Tribute
Reports before the game indicated that Dallas would play a tribute video for Dončić, but the emotional impact was uncertain. Given the controversy surrounding his trade, his reaction could have been anything. However, it became clear from the moment the video began that this return was deeply emotional for Dončić. He was visibly fighting back tears throughout the tribute, appearing truly heartbroken.
The trade itself was so surprising at the time that many believed Dallas traded Dončić to prevent him from leaving as a free agent in 2026. However, subsequent information suggests this was not the case. Dončić intended to re-sign with Dallas and had recently bought a new home there. The Mavericks were not forced to trade Dončić; it was their choice. Almost everyone outside of the Mavericks` front office opposed the trade, and the tribute provided a cathartic moment for both Dončić and the fans.
The Inevitable `Fire Nico` Chants
Everyone expected them. Nico Harrison is currently the most unpopular person in Dallas. The Mavericks` general manager has faced widespread criticism for trading Dončić. Fans have protested outside the arena, and season ticket holders have demanded refunds. One fan even attempted to display a `Nico sucks, Luka we miss you` shirt on the team`s karaoke camera, but the camera quickly cut away. It`s possible that Harrison is currently the most disliked team executive among his own fans in NBA history.
Chants of `Fire Nico` erupted throughout the arena on multiple occasions. They started early in the first quarter, continued sporadically throughout the game, and returned at the end. While it was Dončić`s night, he is no longer part of the Mavericks. Harrison remains, but if fans have their way, his tenure won`t last much longer.
Luka`s Incredible Finish
Dončić provided numerous highlights on the court on Wednesday. Any of his seven 3-pointers could be considered the play of the night. He also made several incredible passes, often behind his head to open teammates. However, this particular finish was the most spectacular. It`s astounding how Dončić managed to get the shot off before his foot touched the ground.
Luka Exits to a Standing Ovation
Dončić arrived to cheers and departed to cheers. With 1:35 remaining on the clock and the Lakers leading by 15 points, Dončić made a floater. With a comfortable double-digit lead, Lakers coach JJ Redick decided to take Dončić out of the game. The crowd gave their former superstar a final standing ovation as he left the court, receiving a warm hug from LeBron James. In a post-game interview with Lisa Salters, Dončić expressed how much the reception meant to him.
`Everyone saw my reaction to the video,` he said. `I truly appreciate all these fans. All my former teammates, everyone supported me. I`m just happy. I love these fans, and I love this city. But it`s time to move on.`
For Dončić, moving on might be easier than it will be for Dallas. His Lakers have a real chance to compete for championships now and in the future. The situation in Dallas looks less promising. The Mavericks still need either a win or a Phoenix Suns loss to secure a Play-In tournament spot. Even if they make it, their postseason run is expected to be short. With Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL, next season also looks challenging. Harrison needs to find a solution quickly, as fans made it clear on Wednesday that they haven`t forgiven him for letting Dončić go.
Jasper Hawthorne