Luka Doncic’s first sport again at American Airways Heart couldn’t have gone any higher.
The Lakers star recorded a season-high 45 factors, eight rebounds, six assists, 4 steals and 7 three-pointer made within the Lakers’ 112-97 win over the Mavericks.
The win additionally meant that the Lakers clinched a playoff spot within the West. The NBA script writers couldn’t have finished a greater job, actually.
The night time was filled with feelings for Luka, who might be seen crying at his tribute video earlier than tip-off.
Luka crying at his Mavs tribute video is definitely heartbreaking 😢💔
(by way of @NBA) pic.twitter.com/8Qtau6DKkB
— Basketball Perpetually (@bballforever_) April 9, 2025
He thought he was going to be too emotional to play, he revealed after the sport.
“I don’t understand how I did it as a result of once I was watching that video I used to be like, ‘There’s no approach I’m taking part in this sport,’ Luka stated. “However all my teammates had my again. They have been actually supporting me, so I actually admire that.”
He made it clear Dallas goes to be in his rear imaginative and prescient mirror.
“I like these followers, I like this metropolis, nevertheless it’s time to maneuver on,” Doncic stated in his on-court interview.
Much like what he stated after his first matchup in opposition to the Mavs in LA, Luka simply wished to go to mattress.
“I’m drained. I’m comfortable it’s over,” Doncic stated. “Now I can get some sleep lastly. It was an incredible expertise.”
LeBron was grateful to be a part of such a particular second for Luka and the Lakers as a complete.
“It was nice. That was an unbelievable second, one thing I’ll in all probability always remember.”
He additionally spoke concerning the crew’s goal – having Luka’s again.
“That was our solely concern, to help him and be there for him in no matter approach we might be,” James stated.
Dorian Finney-Smith, who performed with Luka on the Mavs and now performs with him on the Lakers, touched on what it meant to see Luka get love from followers in his return to Dallas.
“Nicely deserved… I used to be sitting in that locker room after we have been struggling, I might say tanking to get him,” Finney-Smith stated. “And I noticed the transformation again into being a successful tradition as a result of him. Clearly I’d say I had a bit of half in that, however Luka being Luka, he introduced the joy again to Dallas.”
READ MORE: Jaylen Wells Damage Replace Following Scary Collision
