Luka Doncic's return to Dallas: Jason Kidd sends message to Mavericks fans ahead of Lakers game

For the first time since his departure to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic will return to the American Airlines Center this Wednesday to face the Dallas Mavericks. Amid the excitement surrounding his return, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd shared a message for the fans.

“The fans should show their appreciation for Luka,” Kidd said during a press conference on Tuesday, shared by reporter Joey Mistretta on his X account. “There’s no doubt. They have that right. They should cheer for him. He’s one that has entertained since his rookie year. So I think it’s safe to say that they should cheer.”

However, the Dallas head coach quickly clarified his position. “Understanding the emotion for his return, I think it’s just about the game. He scores, take the ball out, and go the other way,” said Jason, who coached Doncic from 2021 to 2025.

“Fans have a right to cheer,” Kidd reiterated, emphasizing that he values the contribution Luka made to Dallas during his years there. “Understanding what he has done for this franchise in a short time and I think that’s right… But for us, it’s about trying to find a way to win.”

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center.

Kidd emphasizes the importance of the game against the Lakers

Beyond the factors that make the Mavericks vs. Lakers game special this Wednesday, Jason Kidd stressed the importance of staying focused and understanding what truly matters. “The big thing for us is to stay in the moment, focus on what’s in front of us,” he said.

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“Just play the game. Understanding there is going to be a lot of emotions and a lot of cheers,” Kidd continued, before making it clear that their rivals are a serious threat. “Also, the Lakers travel well… I’ve been with both sides, I’ve been with the Lakers. Understanding that they do travel well.”

Anthony Davis also talks about the game vs. the Mavericks

When discussing Luka Doncic’s departure from the Dallas Mavericks, it’s impossible not to mention Anthony Davis. The power forward was the other key figure in the trade, and now, fully recovered from his physical issues, he is the team’s main hope as they head into the crucial stretch of this NBA season.

Asked about the Lakers vs. Mavericks matchup and Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas, Davis gave a straightforward answer. “Just another game,” said AD, 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.”