Luka Dončić returned to Dallas on Wednesday night and delivered a performance to remember, scoring 45 points in a 112-97 Los Angeles Lakers win that clinched a playoff berth for his new team.
In his first game back at the American Airlines Center since being traded to the Lakers earlier this season, Dončić opened the night visibly emotional after a tribute video played during pregame introductions.
Despite the tears, he was dominant from the outset, scoring 31 points in the first half alone. He finished with 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Dončić’s scoring effort matched his career high with the Lakers. LeBron James added 27 points and seven rebounds, helping close out the second half as the Lakers pulled away.
“Too many emotions. I don’t know how I did it,” Dončić told ESPN. “But my teammates had my back.”
The reaction from the Dallas crowd was split. Dončić received cheers throughout the night—particularly when he touched the ball early—and a standing ovation when he was subbed off in the final minutes.
But the frustration of the home fans was directed toward Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, whose name was the subject of repeated "Fire Nico" chants.
Tensions surrounding the trade that sent Dončić to Los Angeles and brought Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas were evident throughout.
The Mavericks briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers responded with a 14-1 run to seal the result. Dončić hit a three-pointer during the surge, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Dallas, now 38-42, remains in 10th place in the Western Conference, holding the final play-in spot. The Lakers, with the win, improved to 49-31 and secured at least a top-six seed.
Fans arrived early and filled the arena in tribute shirts reading “thanks for everything” in Slovenian. They lined the court to watch Dončić’s warm-up and greeted his name with cheers during introductions.
After the game, Dončić embraced former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes before heading off the court.
“I love these fans, I love this city, but it’s time to move on,” he said.
The Lakers are now 2-0 against Dallas since the mid-season trade.
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