Lakers’ Luka Doncic opens up about his long-awaited return to Dallas to face the Mavericks

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a controversial loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder but have little time to dwell on it as they prepare for a marquee matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. For Luka Doncic, it marks a special occasion—his first time playing at the American Airlines Center as a visitor and facing his former team on their home court.

Doncic’s return comes on the heels of his ejection in the Lakers‘ loss to OKC, a moment shrouded in controversy. Following a made basket, Doncic appeared to exchange words with a fan, but the referee interpreted it as directed toward him, issuing the star his second technical foul of the game. Postgame, referee J.T. Orr clarified the decision, stating it was for “looking directly at an official and using vulgar language”.

Despite the recent drama, Doncic expressed excitement about his return to Dallas. Speaking to reporters, the Slovenian superstar reflected on the emotional weight of the upcoming game.

“Of course, it’s gonna be a lot of emotions. I don’t know what to expect,” Doncic said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I don’t know how I’m going to feel. I’m looking forward to being back in Dallas, seeing the fans, seeing my teammates… Ex-teammates. It’s going to be very emotional for me for sure”.

Doncic also admitted he’s uncertain if his departure from Dallas brought closure. “Honestly, I don’t know about closure. You know, it’s obviously a lot. Like I said, I’m excited to be back here,” he said. “I know the fans can appreciate me being back here. So, honestly, I don’t know. I don’t know how I’m going to feel. But I’m excited to be back”.

Anthony Davis: ‘Just another game’

While Luka Doncic prepares for an emotional homecoming, his Lakers teammate Anthony Davis played down the significance of the matchup. For Davis, it’s business as usual, even as the storyline surrounding Doncic’s return takes center stage.

“Just another game,” Davis told reporters, per Joey Mistretta. “Y’all make it bigger than it needs to be. Another game for me. It will be Luka’s first time back, so there might be a lot of emotions for him back in Dallas. But for me, it’s another game”.

Drawing from his own experience of returning to New Orleans after being traded from the Pelicans, Davis offered some advice. “Just play basketball,” he said. “They’ve never probably experienced anything like this. I’ve been traded before. So going back to New Orleans… I’ve been through it. I kind of know what to expect”.

Not the first time Doncic has faced Dallas

While this will be Doncic’s first time back in Dallas since joining the Lakers, it’s not his first matchup against the Mavericks. Earlier in the season, the Lakers hosted Dallas at Crypto.com Arena, where Doncic led Los Angeles to a 107-99 victory over his former team.

In that game, Doncic shined with a dominant performance, recording a triple-double of 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. It was a statement outing against the team he once called home, setting the stage for what promises to be an emotional reunion in Dallas.