Lakers' Luka Doncic Breaks Down Emotions in Return to Dallas

The Los Angeles Lakers played in Dallas for the first time since acquiring Luka Doncic in a trade from the Mavericks on Wednesday night. It was an emotional night, as well as a critical game for both teams.

The Lakers are trying to sew up home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, so they have to win as many games as they can coming down the stretch.

Doncic knew that it was going to be an emotional game for him. He thought that he was going to spend his entire career in Dallas and was shocked when the trade happened.

The rest of the Lakers understood what this game meant to Doncic, so they made sure to let him steal the show. Doncic certainly did that, having one of the best games in a game against his former team that the league has ever seen.

Doncic poured in 45 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out six assists. He was by far the best player on the court, and the Dallas fans loved it.

The best part about this game was that the Lakers got the win. That win clinches them a playoff spot, so they won't have to be in the play-in.

Following the game, Doncic was asked how he was able to put up such an incredible performance. When asked about his emotions before the game, he answered very honestly.

"I don't know how I did it. Because when I was watching that video, I was like, 'There's no way I'm playing this game.'"

Luka Doncic after dropping 45 PTS in his emotional return to Dallas with the Lakers ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dJb1GFCT0n
— ESPN (@espn) April 10, 2025

" I don't know, honestly. Everybody saw me, the way I reacted to the video. All of these fans, I really appreciate it, man. All the teammates I had, everybody had my back. So, I mean, I'm happy. I love these fans. I love the city, but it's time to move on."

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The Dallas fans clearly still love Doncic. They were chanting "Fire Nico" in anger because of the fact that Doncic is no longer on the roster.

It should get easier for Doncic to visit Dallas from now on. This first visit was always going to be the most emotional. He was definitely glad to have such a good game against his former team, too.

The Mavericks fans still love Doncic more than anyone they have on their team right now. They have a right to be angry with leadership.

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