Luka Doncic returned to Dallas with a vengeance on Wednesday, dropping 45 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 112-97 win over the Mavericks, staving off elimination from the NBA playoffs.
Playing his first game back in the American Airlines Center since his blockbuster trade in February, Doncic received a heartfelt tribute video and standing ovation from the Dallas crowd. Fans waved posters, and shirts that read “Thanks for Everything” in Slovenian, brought the 26-year-old to tears before tip-off.
Once the game started, Doncic immediately switched to competitive mode. He had 14 points in the first quarter, and 17 in the second, to help give the Lakers a 60-57 lead at halftime. He concluded his evening with an expansive three-pointer before leaving to cheers from both groups of fans.
LeBron James added 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists, upping the Lakers’ record to 49-31 for the season. One more victory in their last two games would clinch the No. 3 seed in the West.
Mavericks fans also expressed their displeasure with a “Fire Nico” chant aimed at GM Nico Harrison, who engineered the deal that sent Doncic to L.A.
