After the Dallas Mavericks` surprising trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2nd, fans immediately wondered: When would the Lakers play in Dallas again?
The answer was April 9th, a date circled for nine weeks, building anticipation for a regular-season game that felt anything but ordinary.
While the Mavericks had already faced Doncic and his new team on March 1st, a game the Lakers won 109-104, Wednesday night`s matchup at American Airlines Center became the NBA`s premier event in the season`s second half.
Doncic, the Dallas crowd, and both teams rose to the occasion. The Mavericks` former star demonstrated to his old team why his trade had sparked fan protests and symbolic gestures of mourning.
With a dominant performance of 45 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, Doncic propelled the Lakers to a 112-97 victory, securing a playoff berth for Los Angeles. Following an emotional pregame introduction, Doncic scored 31 points in the first half alone, met with roaring applause with every touch of the ball.
ESPN analysts delve into the key takeaways from Doncic`s return to Dallas, examining the atmosphere, the Mavericks` offseason strategy, and the Lakers` playoff prospects.
1. The Atmosphere in Dallas: A Mix of Emotions
The arena was charged with emotion, electric, and at times, palpably awkward.
Doncic was visibly moved, tears welling up as the Mavericks played a tribute video before his introduction. It was clear he was still processing the sudden departure from Dallas, a city he envisioned as his long-term NBA home.
This sentiment resonated with many in attendance at American Airlines Center, including Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki, present at his first Dallas home game since the trade. Nowitzki`s only other in-person NBA game since February 1st? Doncic`s Lakers debut in Los Angeles.
A small portion of fans donned white giveaway T-shirts with `Hvala za vse` – Slovenian for `thanks for everything`. Many more sported Doncic jerseys, in Mavericks, Slovenian, and Lakers colors. Others wore shirts expressing their discontent with Dallas General Manager Nico Harrison, seen as the key figure in Doncic`s unwanted trade.
Chants of `Fire Nico!` echoed through the arena, starting just seconds into the game as Harrison stood courtside.
Conversely, Doncic was met with overwhelming affection and admiration as he delivered a stellar performance against the team he once hoped to call his own forever.
2. Key Lesson: Doncic Embraces Laker Identity
Paradoxically, this game marked Doncic`s full integration as a Laker. His team demonstrably rallied around him, offering support and protection. The environment wasn`t hostile, unlike some player returns, but Doncic was undeniably vulnerable. He was aware of this vulnerability, evidenced by his request for a towel pre-game, anticipating his emotional reaction to the tribute video. The Lakers` collective experience in this game strengthened their team unity.
Doncic`s passionate nature remains; he will still show temper and argue with officials. However, his connection with his Lakers teammates solidified on Wednesday. He acknowledged this shift, telling ESPN`s Lisa Salters post-game, `It`s time to move on.`
The Lakers still face roster challenges. JJ Redick`s strategic game plan, focusing on Anthony Davis and leaving less threatening perimeter players open, helped mitigate L.A.`s size disadvantage. Despite this memorable victory, a guaranteed fairytale ending for the Lakers is not assured.
However, this game could be a foundational moment, a crucial step towards significant future achievements for the Lakers.
3. Doncic`s Performance: Everything Expected and More
Doncic`s performance was everything anticipated. He transitioned from pre-game tears to immediate dominance, sinking three 3-pointers in each of the first two quarters, totaling 31 first-half points – his highest as a Laker.
His scoring naturally slowed in the second half, highlighting the value of his partnership with LeBron James, who contributed 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter as the Lakers extended their lead. Doncic then took charge again late in the game, scoring seven consecutive points before exiting to a standing ovation with 45 points.
He reached this total efficiently, requiring only 28 shots and nine free throws. Adding 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals, his game score was his second-highest of the season.
Mavericks fans have witnessed numerous such brilliant performances from Doncic, making this return bittersweet. He joined Wilt Chamberlain as only the second player in NBA history to score at least 45 points both for and against the same team in a single season.
4. Dallas Offseason Priorities: Roster Reconstruction
Dallas`s primary offseason goals include the return of a healthy Kyrie Irving, utilizing their lottery pick, and exploring trade opportunities. Limited by free agency funds beyond the veterans minimum exception, the Mavs possess trade assets: three first-round picks and twelve players with salaries between $2 million and $16 million.
Could this be enough to acquire Kevin Durant to play alongside Irving and Anthony Davis? As a projected first apron team, the Mavs would need to trade at least four players while staying under the apron – a complex task given the combined $150 million salaries of Irving, Durant, and Davis.
General Manager Nico Harrison has a history of significant roster moves. The team`s composition for the 2025-26 season could drastically differ from the current one. Since assuming basketball operations in June 2021, Harrison has executed 16 trades, continuously seeking the optimal player combination for a championship. Only Dwight Powell and Spencer Dinwiddie remain from the 2022 Western Conference Finals team.
5. Lakers Playoff Potential: Offense as Key
The Lakers` playoff success hinges on their offensive firepower. When Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are on the court together, the Lakers achieve a remarkable 119.5 points per 100 possessions, placing them in the top percentile of NBA lineups. However, this trio also concedes a high 121.8 points per 100 possessions.
Despite improved defense, the Lakers are unlikely to consistently shut down elite playoff offenses. Their playoff path could be favorable, potentially avoiding the Thunder until the conference finals. However, first-round matchups against teams like the Nuggets, Warriors, Clippers, or Timberwolves present significant challenges.
A first-round exit wouldn`t be surprising in the competitive Western Conference. Conversely, a deep playoff run, potentially challenging the Thunder in the conference finals, is also within reach. A team featuring two of the league`s best players is inherently a Finals contender, especially with their proven ability to dominate playoff defenses.
