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 achieved a greater job, truthfully.
The evening was stuffed 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 Without end (@bballforever_) April 9, 2025
He thought he was going to be too emotional to play, he revealed after the sport.
“I don’t know the way I did it as a result of once I was watching that video I used to be like, ‘There’s no approach I’m enjoying this sport,’ Luka stated. “However all my teammates had my again. They have been actually supporting me, so I actually recognize that.”
He made it clear Dallas goes to be in his rear imaginative and prescient mirror.
“I really like these followers, I really like this metropolis, but it surely’s time to maneuver on,” Doncic stated in his on-court interview.
Just like what he stated after his first matchup in opposition to the Mavs in LA, Luka simply needed to go to mattress.
“I’m drained. I’m comfortable it’s over,” Doncic stated. “Now I can get some sleep lastly. It was a tremendous 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 group’s goal – having Luka’s again.
“That was our solely concern, to assist 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.
“Effectively deserved… I used to be sitting in that locker room once we have been struggling, I’d say tanking to get him,” Finney-Smith stated. “And I noticed the transformation again into being a successful tradition because of him. Clearly I’d say I had slightly half in that, however Luka being Luka, he introduced the thrill again to Dallas.”
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