Luka Doncic may be fluent in four languages, but he struggled to find the right words to describe the whirlwind of emotions he felt on Tuesday night. Just 23 days after his shocking trade from the Dallas Mavericks, the 25-year-old found himself on the court at Crypto.com Arena, facing the very team that unexpectedly shipped him away.
“It was just a lot of emotions I was feeling,” Doncic admitted. “I can’t even explain. It was a different game. Sometimes, I don’t know what I was doing. I’m just glad it’s over, honestly.”
Doncic Delivers Despite the Pressure
Despite the emotional weight, Doncic managed to post his first triple-double in a Lakers uniform, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. His performance, however, was far from perfect. He missed 11 of his 17 shots and struggled from beyond the arc, but his playmaking was on full display, particularly in key moments alongside LeBron James.
“It was so weird,” Doncic said. “There were moments I felt like I didn’t know what I was doing. I’m glad we got a win.”
LeBron Takes Over in the Fourth
While Doncic had his ups and downs, James ensured that his new teammate wouldn’t suffer a loss in his first game against his former squad. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer stepped up in the fourth quarter, dropping 16 of his 27 points and sealing the victory with three clutch buckets on passes from Doncic.
“We understood as his teammates that we wanted to try to get this win for him,” James said. “Obviously, we know what transpired not too long ago. As his teammates, we wanted just to back him in any way, shape, or form.”
Awkward Moments and Maverick Memories
Throughout the night, Doncic exchanged glances with the Mavericks’ bench, adding tension to an already surreal experience. He later laughed off a few playful boos from former team owner Mark Cuban, even jokingly telling him, “Shut up, Mark!”
Dallas guard Kyrie Irving, a close friend of Doncic, reflected on the strange energy of the matchup.
“It was awkward, but at the same time, it was fun,” Irving said. “We got a chance to feel like we were in practice all over again, going at each other. Seeing the crowd cheer for him and watching him hit shots I’ve seen him make thousands of times—that probably made it even more awkward.”
Lakers Fans Thank Dallas for the Trade
In the stands, Lakers fans made their feelings about the trade known, chanting “Thank you, Nico!” in reference to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, the man responsible for dealing Doncic away. Harrison, who attended the game, has faced intense backlash from Mavericks fans who remain outraged over the decision.
Adding to the night’s emotional weight was the absence of Anthony Davis, the 10-time All-Star who was sent to Dallas in the blockbuster trade. While sidelined with a groin injury, Davis received a standing ovation during a tribute video honoring his years with the Lakers.
Looking Ahead: The Rematch in Dallas
The drama is far from over. On April 9, Doncic will step into the Mavericks’ home arena for the first time as an opponent—a game that promises to be even more intense, given the widespread anger among Dallas fans. With emotions running high and storylines still unfolding, this blockbuster trade will continue to shape the NBA landscape for months to come.
