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The long-anticipated matchup is complete.
Luka Doncic returned to American Airlines Center on Wednesday in purple and gold, putting on a virtuoso performance for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 112-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks, the team that traded him in February.
The showdown was expected to be a “madhouse,” and fans rose to the occasion. Find our coverage below, including Doncic’s entrance, introduction, first basket and tribute video.
Photos
Mavericks
Photos: Luka Doncic returns to Dallas with LA Lakers
View Gallery
Game stories
— Luka Doncic’s first game in Dallas closes a chapter, but Mavericks’ next page is blank
— Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas with Lakers only reminded fans of what they’ll miss
— Mavericks fans’ loyalty to Luka Doncic the one constant in first Dallas game since trade
— Everything Luka Doncic had to say after his return to Dallas, win over Mavericks
— National reactions as Luka returns: Doncic’s night starts in tears, ends with 45 points
— Watch: Dallas Mavericks introduce emotional Luka Doncic with tribute video prior to tipoff
— Dirk Nowitzki attends Luka Doncic’s first game back in Dallas as Mavericks battle Lakers
— Mavericks clinch spot in 9 vs. 10 play-in game thanks to Suns’ loss vs. Thunder
Lakers 112, Mavericks 97
Doncic channeled any bottled-up feelings over the last two months since Dallas traded him into one of his best performances of the season: 45 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
LeBron’s turn?
The Lakers go back in front behind nine quick fourth-quarter points from LeBron James. He’s got a slightly-overlooked 23 points on Doncic’s big night.
Mavericks making a run
With Luka on the bench for much of it, the Mavericks went on a 22-7 run between the third and fourth quarters to take an 87-85 lead with nine minutes left in the game.
Luka, Lakers lead
Doncic and the Lakers held a seven-point lead over Dallas entering the fourth quarter.
Doncic closes first half hot
Luka was peak Luka to close out the first half of play, heading into halftime with 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting. He’s hit 6 of 8 3-point attempts.
Mavericks fans have seen this version of Doncic many, many times … but never from this side.
Anthony Davis, meanwhile, finished the half with four points.
Doncic’s hot start
Doncic had a very Luka-like start to the game, scoring 14 points in the game’s first quarter of action.
‘Fire Nico’ chants have begun
It didn’t take long for the American Airlines Center crowd to make its voice felt, as the first Lakers’ trip to the free throw line less than 10 seconds into the game brought about perhaps the loudest “Fire Nico” chant heard so far.
In the early going, it appears the crowd is set on chanting at the Mavs’ GM every time either team reaches the free throw line.
Luka’s first basket
It also didn’t take long for Luka to get on the board.
Tribute video
After some questions as to whether or not the Dallas Mavericks would show a tribute video for former star Luka Doncic prior to his first game back, they got it out of the way early. The Mavericks aired this video during pregame introductions of the Lakers’ starting lineup.
Related:Watch: Dallas Mavericks introduce emotional Luka Doncic with tribute video prior to tipoff
Luka is in the building
Luka Doncic has arrived to face his former team for the first time since the Mavericks traded him on Feb. 1.
I stopped recording too early, but he shared a couple of hugs with a few Mavs staffers before heading to the visitor’s locker room. pic.twitter.com/0SFZwjPar1
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) April 9, 2025
Luka Doncic takes the court for the first time since he was traded. He had an embrace with Klay Thompson, PJ Washington and God Shammgod. pic.twitter.com/hKjiGQWPuj
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) April 9, 2025
Pregame sights and sounds
The #Mavs welcome Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris back to AAC with this poster of appreciation down the hall from the Lakers’ locker room. pic.twitter.com/laYswY9dKa
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) April 9, 2025
Photos: Luka Doncic returns to Dallas with LA Lakers
View Gallery
Who to follow
Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2; @McFarland_Shawn; @KSherringtonDMN
This post will be updated live as Doncic and the Lakers take on the Mavericks.
After going off for 45 points in his return to Dallas, Doncic stuck around town a bit longer.
It’s time for the Mavs to rethink their strategy after Doncic’s offensive explosion in his return to Dallas.
Williams finished the 50th and final game of his two-way contract on March 29 against the Chicago Bulls.
The Mavericks are guaranteed at least a Game No. 83.
Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
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The long-anticipated matchup is complete.
Luka Doncic returned to American Airlines Center on Wednesday in purple and gold, putting on a virtuoso performance for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 112-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks, the team that traded him in February.
The showdown was expected to be a “madhouse,” and fans rose to the occasion. Find our coverage below, including Doncic’s entrance, introduction, first basket and tribute video.
Photos
Mavericks
Photos: Luka Doncic returns to Dallas with LA Lakers
View Gallery
Game stories
— Luka Doncic’s first game in Dallas closes a chapter, but Mavericks’ next page is blank
— Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas with Lakers only reminded fans of what they’ll miss
— Mavericks fans’ loyalty to Luka Doncic the one constant in first Dallas game since trade
— Everything Luka Doncic had to say after his return to Dallas, win over Mavericks
— National reactions as Luka returns: Doncic’s night starts in tears, ends with 45 points
— Watch: Dallas Mavericks introduce emotional Luka Doncic with tribute video prior to tipoff
— Dirk Nowitzki attends Luka Doncic’s first game back in Dallas as Mavericks battle Lakers
— Mavericks clinch spot in 9 vs. 10 play-in game thanks to Suns’ loss vs. Thunder
Lakers 112, Mavericks 97
Doncic channeled any bottled-up feelings over the last two months since Dallas traded him into one of his best performances of the season: 45 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
LeBron’s turn?
The Lakers go back in front behind nine quick fourth-quarter points from LeBron James. He’s got a slightly-overlooked 23 points on Doncic’s big night.
Mavericks making a run
With Luka on the bench for much of it, the Mavericks went on a 22-7 run between the third and fourth quarters to take an 87-85 lead with nine minutes left in the game.
Luka, Lakers lead
Doncic and the Lakers held a seven-point lead over Dallas entering the fourth quarter.
Doncic closes first half hot
Luka was peak Luka to close out the first half of play, heading into halftime with 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting. He’s hit 6 of 8 3-point attempts.
Mavericks fans have seen this version of Doncic many, many times … but never from this side.
Anthony Davis, meanwhile, finished the half with four points.
Doncic’s hot start
Doncic had a very Luka-like start to the game, scoring 14 points in the game’s first quarter of action.
‘Fire Nico’ chants have begun
It didn’t take long for the American Airlines Center crowd to make its voice felt, as the first Lakers’ trip to the free throw line less than 10 seconds into the game brought about perhaps the loudest “Fire Nico” chant heard so far.
In the early going, it appears the crowd is set on chanting at the Mavs’ GM every time either team reaches the free throw line.
Luka’s first basket
It also didn’t take long for Luka to get on the board.
Tribute video
After some questions as to whether or not the Dallas Mavericks would show a tribute video for former star Luka Doncic prior to his first game back, they got it out of the way early. The Mavericks aired this video during pregame introductions of the Lakers’ starting lineup.
Related:Watch: Dallas Mavericks introduce emotional Luka Doncic with tribute video prior to tipoff
Luka is in the building
Luka Doncic has arrived to face his former team for the first time since the Mavericks traded him on Feb. 1.
I stopped recording too early, but he shared a couple of hugs with a few Mavs staffers before heading to the visitor’s locker room. pic.twitter.com/0SFZwjPar1
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) April 9, 2025
Luka Doncic takes the court for the first time since he was traded. He had an embrace with Klay Thompson, PJ Washington and God Shammgod. pic.twitter.com/hKjiGQWPuj
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) April 9, 2025
Pregame sights and sounds
The #Mavs welcome Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris back to AAC with this poster of appreciation down the hall from the Lakers’ locker room. pic.twitter.com/laYswY9dKa
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) April 9, 2025
Photos: Luka Doncic returns to Dallas with LA Lakers
View Gallery
Who to follow
Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2; @McFarland_Shawn; @KSherringtonDMN
This post will be updated live as Doncic and the Lakers take on the Mavericks.
After going off for 45 points in his return to Dallas, Doncic stuck around town a bit longer.
It’s time for the Mavs to rethink their strategy after Doncic’s offensive explosion in his return to Dallas.
Williams finished the 50th and final game of his two-way contract on March 29 against the Chicago Bulls.
The Mavericks are guaranteed at least a Game No. 83.
Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
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