Luka Doncic will step onto the American Airways Heart court docket for the primary time as an opponent on Wednesday after being traded to the LA Lakers in a deal centered round Anthony Davis.
Doncic, who final performed for the Mavericks on Christmas Day 2024, has been a major acquisition for the Lakers, who despatched Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round choose to Dallas in alternate for the Slovenian star, Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber. In his 26 video games with the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 27.1 factors, 8.1 rebounds and seven.6 assists.
The sport would be the second of a back-to-back for the Lakers, who misplaced to the OKC Thunder on Tuesday. Throughout that sport, Doncic was ejected within the fourth quarter after choosing up two technical fouls. Reflecting on his return to Dallas, Doncic shared his emotional emotions about taking part in on the Mavericks’ residence court docket as an opponent.
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“In fact, it’ll be a number of emotion for me,” Doncic mentioned (per Ryan Ward). “I do not even know what to anticipate. I do not know the way I’ll really feel, truthfully. I do know I am wanting ahead to being again in Dallas, clearly. … It is going to be very emotional for me for positive.”
This would be the second matchup between the 2 groups for the reason that commerce. The primary assembly was on February 25, the place the Lakers received 107-99, with Luka Doncic recording 19 factors, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals and two blocks.
Jason Kidd discusses Luka Doncic’s Dallas return
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd spoke about Luka Doncic’s return to the American Airways Heart throughout Tuesday’s observe, encouraging followers to cheer for his or her former star.
“I believe it’s secure to say that they need to cheer,” Kidd mentioned (per Mavs.com). “However for us it’s about looking for a approach to win.”
Kidd additionally acknowledged the emotional facet of Doncic’s return.
“It’s emotional, I believe, anytime anyone is traded,” Kidd mentioned.
“So, coming again for the primary time and even the second time and even the third time — due to the reminiscences of with the ability to get to the Western Convention Finals or to have the ability to get to the (NBA) Finals, or to be an All-Star – the issues that he has executed in a brief period of time is unimaginable.”
The Lakers vs. Mavericks sport will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET.