Luka Doncic faced his former team, the Dallas Mavs, for the first time since his shocking midseason trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The highly anticipated matchup had Crypto.com Arena packed with fans eager to see how the former Dallas superstar would perform against his old squad.
Luka Doncic didn’t disappoint
In a game filled with intensity, emotion, and a touch of Hollywood drama, the Lakers took down the Mavericks 107-99, with Doncic delivering a statement performance that reminded Dallas exactly what they lost.
Mavs vs. Lakers, a night of high emotions for Doncic
From the opening tip-off, Doncic played with something to prove. Every possession was a battle, every basket a message. The Lakers’ newest star looked aggressive from the start, setting the tone for what would be a memorable night.
Dallas, led by Kyrie Irving and their revamped roster, did their best to make Doncic’s game a nightmare, but the Slovenian sensation stayed composed.
Doncic vs. Mavs, a triple-double Lakers revenge
By the time the final buzzer sounded, Doncic had secured his first triple-double in a Lakers uniform:
- 🏀 19 points
- 💪 15 rebounds
- ⛹🏻 11 assists
- 🥷🏻 3 steals
- 🛡️ 2 blocks
It wasn’t the most efficient scoring night for Doncic, but his impact went beyond points. LeBron James complemented Doncic’s efforts, but it was clear this night belonged to him.
The viral “Jackie Moon” moment
One of the funniest moments of the night happened when Doncic and LeBron accidentally recreated a famous scene from the basketball comedy Semi-Pro, starring Will Ferrell.
The moment quickly went viral, with fans on social media turning it into a meme.
Free parking & the sneaker hype
Doncic’s return wasn’t just a game, it was an event. His sponsor, Jordan Brand, bought out a parking lot near the arena, offering fans free parking as a thank-you for their support.
Additionally, Doncic debuted his Jordan Luka 4 sneakers, which immediately became a hot topic in the sneaker world.
The real test comes in Dallas
This was just the first chapter. The real showdown happens on April 9, when Doncic and the Lakers travel to Dallas for what is sure to be an even more emotional and heated rematch.
Will Mavericks fans welcome him back with cheers or boos? One thing is certain, Luka Doncic won’t forget this night anytime soon, and neither will the NBA.