Luka Doncic powered the LA Lakers to a win over the Dallas Mavericks on an emotional night personally.
When the Luka Doncic trade was made, his return to Dallas on April 9 immediately stood out as a must-see game.
The Mavericks decision to trade Doncic away sparked fan protests and it is likely fans will never get over his departure.
With Doncic reduced to tears by an emotional video package ahead of the game, fans in the arena chanted ‘Fire Nico’, targeting the unpopular general manager who proposed the trade.
On the court Luka Doncic showed exactly why he was so revered, leading the Lakers to a 112-107 victory on the second night of a back to back.
Doncic erupted for 45 points, equalling his highest points total on the LA Lakers since the trade.
JJ Redick quipped after the game he was ‘disappointed’ the Slovenian did not go for 60.
Doncic added eight rebounds and six assists on a dominant night, that had former Lakers star Pau Gasol purring.
Gasol posted on X: “Bravooo @luka7doncic !! What an extraordinary performance in such an emotional night coming back to Dallas. Amazing welcome and love from the Mavs fans but I’m happy you’re a Laker!”
The LA Lakers needed the win after falling to a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder a night earlier, a controversial game that saw Luka Doncic ejected.
The NBA subsequently admitted the decision to eject Doncic was a mistake.
The win in Dallas was the Lakers’ 49th win of the season, keeping the team ahead of the Nuggets and Clippers, who are on 48 wins.
The Lakers are determined to secure the third seed, and remain in that spot thanks to the win in Dallas.
