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READ MORE: Patrick and Brittany Mahomes sit court-side at Lakers versus Mavericks game
Luka Doncic’s emotions overcame him at the start of his highly anticipated comeback to the game.
Dallas Mavericks
As a member of the Lakers — prior to demonstrating precisely what their former squad is lacking.
Doncic scored a stunning 31 points by halftime, with his Lakers team leading the Mavs by three with a 60-57 scoreline at the interval. He cooledd off in the second half but still ended the night with a tally of 45 as the Lakers won 112-97.
Doncic was traded to
Los Angeles
in February, teaming up with
LeBron James
in a move that sent shockwaves across the sporting world in the United States.
At that point, he was recuperating from a calf problem and had not taken part in his team’s games for several weeks prior to his sudden exit.
This indicated that the game on Wednesday evening provided an opportunity for the Mavericks organization and their supporters to demonstrate their backing.
NBA
good that they went their separate ways.
Prior to the commencement of the match on Wednesday, the Mavericks presented a tribute video honoring Doncic, which showcased moments from the day he was drafted through to his final game with the team.
Wearing a Lakers jersey, the Slovenian seemed emotional watching the video as he wiped away tears and later hid his face in his towel.
As The Mavericks’ supporter base cheered loudly for him during his warm-up session on the court prior to the match, they also erupted in applause when his name was called out as part of the Lakers’ roster.
This marks the first time Doncic has returned to the city of Dallas since his trade from the team he joined when he was just 18 years old.
‘Drew tears from my eyes,’ Doncic said to ESPN immediately following the match.
‘I arrived as a young fellow at 18, not sure what to anticipate from the NBA, but the Mavericks welcomed me with open arms, making it filled with wonderful, wonderful recollections.’
Regarding playing after that emotionally charged video, he stated: “I have no idea how I managed to play because when I watched that footage, I thought to myself, ‘There’s just no way I can continue with this game.’”
‘However, you see, all my teammates supported me. They were truly backing me up.’
The match also witnessed Anthony Davis facing off against his old squad from his current team. The Lakers traded Davis to bring Doncic over to California.
On a losing night, he managed to score just 13 points against his former squad.
The Lakers are fighting to secure third place in the Western Conference as they have just two more regular-season games before heading into the playoffs.
Doncic and his intense expression take on the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers prior to progressing to the playoffs.
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