The NBA world is buzzing ahead of Wednesday’s clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks—a game that reunites Anthony Davis with his old team and features Luka Doncic’s much-anticipated return to Dallas. Amid the hype, Davis was clear about his perspective on the matchup.
This will be Davis’s first time facing the Lakers since his offseason move to Dallas. He missed their earlier meeting at Crypto.com Arena due to injury, a game the Lakers won 107-99. Doncic, however, had a standout performance that night, recording a triple–double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists against his former squad.
While the game has plenty of storylines, Davis downplayed the narrative, emphasizing that for him, it’s just another game on the schedule. However, he acknowledged the emotional significance for Doncic as he reunites with Mavericks fans.
“Just another game,” Davis told reporters on Tuesday, 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“.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to being fouled during the first half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Reflecting on Doncic’s situation, Davis compared it to his own experience returning to New Orleans after being traded by the Pelicans. “Just play basketball,” Davis continued. “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”.
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The Mavericks’ big man noted that matchups like this—where marquee players return to face their former teams—are part of what makes the NBA so exciting and enjoyable for fans.
“That’s what makes this game fun, that’s what makes basketball and sports fun, entertaining… Having games like tomorrow in the regular season,” Davis said. “It’s going to be fun. I’ll do my job the best I can to keep the guys together, not get too high, not get too low… Focusing on the game”.
Jason Kidd on Doncic’s emotional return
Doncic’s return to the American Airlines Center is expected to be an emotional event. While fans will likely shower the Slovenian star with affection, there’s also a chance some may express frustration toward the franchise for letting him go.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the emotional dynamics, stating that fans have every right to cheer Doncic, even if he now plays for the Lakers. “Understanding the emotion for his [Doncic’s] return, I think it’s just about the game. He scores, take the ball out and go the other way,” Kidd said during Tuesday’s media availability.
“Fans have a right to cheer. Understanding what he has done for this franchise in a short time, and I think that’s right,” Kidd added. “The big thing for us is to stay in the moment, focus on what’s in front of us… Just play the game. Understanding there is going to be a lot of emotions and a lot of cheers”.
