Luka Doncic Opens Up About His Emotions Watching Mavericks Tribute Video

Karl Rasmussen | Apr 9, 2025

Luka Doncic speaks with ESPN's Lisa Salters after scoring 45 points against the Dallas Mavericks / Screenshot via ESPN

Luka Doncic was dominant in his return to American Airlines Center, his first time in the arena as a visiting player since he was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this season.

It was an emotional affair for Doncic, who was reduced to tears more than once throughout the night, though most notably during the Mavericks' tribute video that was played before the game's opening tip.

Speaking with ESPN's Lisa Salters on the court after the game, Doncic broke down his emotions throughout the evening and discussed what returning to the arena and the city of Dallas meant to him.

"I love these fans, I love this city, but it's time to move on," Doncic said. When asked about the pregame tribute video, he said, "So many emotions. Can't even explain it. It brought tears to my eyes. Like I said, I came here as a young kid at 18, did not know what to expect from the NBA. They made it feel like home here. Just a lot of great, great memories."

"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.' But you know, all my teammates had my back," he said. "They were really supporting me, so I really appreciate that."

"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

Doncic dropped a game-high 45 points to go with eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. He shot 16-for-28 from the field and 7-for-10 from three-point range. All eyes were on him throughout the entire night, but the home crowd showed him nothing but love, despite him being a member of the visiting team. He wore his emotions on his sleeve, making the evening all the more special as he led his team to a 112–97 victory.

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