Luka Doncic’s first match at the American Airlines Center couldn’t be better.
The Lakers star scored a season-high 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and seven three-pointers in the Lakers’ victory over the Mavericks 112-97.
The victory also means that the Lakers won the playoffs in the Western Conference. Honestly, NBA script writers can’t do better.
The night is filled with emotion for Luka, who can be seen crying in his tribute video before tipping.
Luka is actually heartbreaking to cry in his valiant tribute video.
(pass @NBA) pic.twitter.com/8qtau6dkkb
– Basketball forever (@bballforever_) April 9, 2025
He thought he would be too excited to play football, he revealed after the game.
“I don’t know how I did it. They are really supporting me, so I’m really grateful,” Luca said.
He made it clear that Dallas would be in his rearview mirror.
“I love these fans, I love the city, but now it’s time to move on,” Don Sici said in his stadium interview.
Similar to what he said after his first showdown with the Mavericks in Los Angeles, Luca just wanted to go to bed.
“I’m very tired. I’m glad it’s over,” Doncic said. “Now I can finally sleep. It’s an amazing experience.”
LeBron is excited to be part of such a special moment for Luca and the Lakers as a whole.
“That’s great. It was an incredible moment that I might never forget.”
He also talked about the team’s goal – to get Luca’s back back.
“This is our only focus to support him and to be around him as we might be.”
Dorian Finney-Smith, who played with Luka on the Mavericks and now with the Lakers, talked about the meaning of fans who saw Luka return to Dallas.
“When we struggled, I sat in that locker room, and I would say the tank beg him,” Finney Smith said. “And I saw the transformation into a culture of victory because of him. Obviously, I said I was involved, but Luka was Luka who brought the excitement back to Dallas.”
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