Watch: Luka Doncic receives rousing welcome as he makes first Mavs return since titanic trade
On Wednesday, Luka Doncic stepped foot in the American Airlines Arena for the first time as a member of the LA Lakers. The moment he was on the court, he was greeted with a warm welcome from the fans who have missed him since the Dallas Mavericks traded him. The Slovenian acknowledged the fans and approached his former teammates, Klay Thompson and PJ Washington.
This is the second time Doncic will play against his former team since he was traded. However, this game will be different since it will be the first time he will play in Dallas as an opponent. Watch the welcome that the Slovenian star received.
The last time they played against each other, Luka Doncic had 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists, helping the Lakers with a 107-99 victory.
NBA analyst has two words to summarize Luka Doncic's return to Dallas
Before the 2024-25 NBA season ends, fans will witness Luka Doncic's first game back in Dallas wearing a Lakers jersey. Many fans thought he'd stay for good with the Mavericks. However, the organization had other plans they wanted to see which didn't include Doncic.
"I would say two words here, awkward and emotional," MacMahon said. "Awkward will be the reception from the Mavericks organization that blindsided Luka with the trade that -- let's be honest, kinda publicly dumped on him on the way out the door to try to justify the deal."
"For the fans, it is going to be a surreal emotional experience. They really think this guy took the torch from Dirk [Nowitzki], and was going to be theirs forever... They will celebrate six and a half spectacular seasons. And there will be tears shed that Luka didn't last in Dallas for a hell of a lot longer than that."
In appreciation for Doncic's years of service with the Mavericks, the organization will give away shirts dedicated to the Slovenian star's return. Fans will be given shirts that say "Thank you for everything" in the Slovenian language.
In his time in Dallas, the former third pick in 2018 became a five-time All-NBA player, Additionally, he was selected to participate in the All-Star Game five times during his tenure with the Mavericks. Lastly, he led the team to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics last year.
He averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists through six and a half seasons in Dallas.