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Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Lakers Star Luka Doncic Speaks on Emotional Dallas Homecoming

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ricardo Klein | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to take the court on Wednesday for the second night of a back-to-back—their final back-to-back of the regular season. With just three games remaining, this particular matchup carries more emotional weight than any other on their schedule.

Luka Doncic and the Lakers will head to Dallas for the first time this season to face the Mavericks—Doncic’s former team. The return marks a significant moment for the 26-year-old superstar, and to call it emotional would barely scratch the surface.

All eyes will be on this reunion as Doncic makes his long-anticipated return to American Airlines Center, this time wearing purple and gold.

Following the Lakers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Doncic was asked about his impending return to Dallas.

His response was short and candid—he admitted he had no idea what to expect, especially since he’d be stepping into the arena for the first time as a visitor.

"I don't really know what to expect. I don't know how I'm going to feel, honestly. I'm looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates -- ex-teammates. It's going to be very emotional for me, for sure."

Luka Doncic on returning to Dallas: "I don't really know what to expect. I don't know how I'm going to feel, honestly. I'm looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates -- ex-teammates. It's going to be very emotional for me, for sure."
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 9, 2025

In early February, Doncic was traded from Dallas to L.A. in a trade that no one saw coming. Not only did the Mavericks trade him, but they initiated it and wanted him gone. As we know by now, the Mavericks did not believe that Doncic was the type of player to lead them to the next level, although he led them to the NBA Finals less than a year ago.

Nonetheless, here we are, and so far, the Lakers are benefitting from having a top-five player on their team in Doncic.

This game will mean a lot not only to the fans, Doncic, and former Lakers superstar Anthony Davis but to both teams as they jockey for position in the loaded Western Conference.

The Lakers are two wins away from securing the No. 3 seed in the West. They have three more chances to do so and a great chance to do just that from now till Sunday.

Doncic and Davis will want to get back at their former teams, but it's all about getting the win at all costs for the Lakers. If that means an offensive explosion from Doncic, then so be it.

Wednesday's game might be the most viewed game of the season.

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For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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