In today`s NBA, returning stars are often met with boos from fans who feel betrayed. However, Luka Dončić`s return to Dallas was different. Despite initial expectations that the five-time All-NBA guard would extend his contract with the Mavericks, the team surprisingly traded him to the Lakers, creating a warm and emotional reunion.
On Wednesday, Dončić`s first game back in Dallas as a Laker was truly captivating. Dončić was dominant from the start, but Dallas fought hard, even taking a fourth-quarter lead after being down by double digits. Ultimately, the Lakers` superior talent prevailed. Dončić led all scorers with 45 points in the Lakers` 112-97 victory, capped by 13 fourth-quarter points from LeBron James.
The Lakers are now just one win away from securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The Mavericks, on the other hand, were given a painful reminder of what they lost by trading their homegrown superstar to Los Angeles. Here are some of the highlights from Dončić`s emotional return to Dallas.
Luka enters the building
Dončić arrived at the arena well before the game, allowing time for numerous heartfelt reunions. Cameras captured his arrival in the tunnel, where he was seen warmly greeting several Mavericks staff members with hugs. Undoubtedly, there were many more such moments that went unrecorded.
A warm welcome from the fans
While Dallas staff were thrilled to welcome Dončić back, the fan reception was even more overwhelming. Since the trade, Dallas fans have been vocal in their disapproval, and on Wednesday, they eagerly welcomed their former franchise player back to the American Airlines Center. From his first step onto the court until the final buzzer, the cheers for Dončić were constant and heartfelt.
A tearful tribute
Reports prior to the game confirmed that Dallas would honor Dončić with a tribute video, but the emotional impact was unexpected. Given the controversial nature of his departure, his reaction was uncertain. However, as the video began to play, it became clear just how deeply Dončić was affected by his return. He was visibly fighting back tears throughout the tribute, appearing truly heartbroken.
The trade itself was so baffling that many initially believed Dallas was trying to avoid losing Dončić for nothing in 2026 free agency. However, subsequent information suggests this was not the case. Dončić intended to re-sign with Dallas and had even recently bought a new home there. The Mavericks were not compelled to trade Dončić; it was their choice. Virtually no one outside the front office wanted him gone, and this tribute offered a cathartic moment for both Dončić and the fans.
The obligatory `fire Nico` chants
As expected, the chants began. Nico Harrison is currently a deeply unpopular figure in Dallas. The Mavericks` general manager has faced widespread criticism for trading Dončić. Fans have protested at the arena, and season ticket holders have requested refunds. One fan even attempted to display a `Nico sucks, Luka we miss you` shirt on the team`s karaoke cam, but the camera quickly cut away. It`s possible that Harrison is now the most disliked team executive among his own fanbase in NBA history.
Chants of `fire Nico` echoed throughout the arena on multiple occasions, starting early in the first quarter and continuing intermittently throughout the game, even until the end. While it was Dončić`s night, he is no longer a Maverick. Harrison remains, but if fans get their wish, his tenure may be short-lived.
Luka`s incredible finish
Dončić provided numerous on-court highlights on Wednesday. Any of his seven 3-pointers could be considered the play of the night, and he delivered several remarkable passes, often behind-the-head to open teammates. However, this particular finish was truly spectacular. It`s astonishing how Dončić managed to get the shot off before his foot landed.
Luka exits to a standing ovation
Dončić arrived to cheers and departed to even louder cheers. With 1:35 remaining and the Lakers leading by 15, Dončić hit a floater to extend the lead. With a comfortable double-digit advantage, Lakers coach JJ Redick substituted Dončić out of the game. The crowd erupted in a final standing ovation for their former superstar 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 the fans. All my former teammates always had my back. I`m just happy. I love these fans, I love this city. But it’s time to move on.`
Moving on may be easier for Dončić than for Dallas. His Lakers are genuine championship contenders both now and in the future. The situation in Dallas looks less promising. The Mavericks still need one more win or a Suns loss to secure a Play-In tournament spot, and their postseason prospects are uncertain, especially with Kyrie Irving`s ACL injury casting a shadow over next season. Harrison is under immense pressure to turn things around, as fans made it clear on Wednesday that they have not forgiven him for letting Dončić go.
Jasper Hawthorne