Luka Doncic acknowledges the mixed emotions he will feel when he steps onto the Dallas court, now representing the Los Angeles Lakers with his familiar No. 77 jersey, a number he wore during his inaugural five seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.

After a surprising trade, which saw the All-Star join the Lakers two months ago, Doncic is ready for his return to Dallas for an important game on Wednesday.

“Honestly, I don’t know about closure. It’s obviously a lot. I know the fans are going to appreciate me being back here. Honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to feel, but I’m just excited to be back,” said Doncic.
“Honestly, I don’t know about closure. It’s obviously a lot. I know the fans are going to appreciate me being back here. Honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to feel, but I’m just excited to be back.”

Before the highly anticipated match, the market price for upper-level tickets averaged $230, compared to lower prices for the upcoming home game against Toronto, where similar seats could be found for under $20.

Doncic was a key figure for the Mavericks and had just completed a stellar season as the NBA’s scoring leader. Under GM Nico Harrison’s leadership, Doncic was traded, making way for Anthony Davis to join Dallas.

The trade triggered strong reactions from fans, resulting in protests and even a mock funeral outside the American Airlines Center. Fans voiced their frustrations against the general manager, calling for his dismissal. Harrison has remained silent since stating the team was positioned to win both now and in the future.

Rick Welts, the new CEO of the Mavericks, commented on the emotional ties that demonstrate the relationship between the organization and its supporters, asserting that they plan to restore any lost trust and are committed to winning a championship.

The Mavericks entered the game against Doncic’s Lakers currently positioned 10th in the Western Conference, set to compete for a playoff spot.

In their matches post-trade, Dallas recorded a 12-18 performance, whereas the Lakers have succeeded since Doncic’s arrival, maintaining a 20-12 record. Doncic experienced immediate success and had even achieved a triple-double within weeks of the trade, scoring 19 points, collecting 15 rebounds, and aiding with 12 assists in their earlier showdown against the Mavericks.

Luka reflected on his feelings during that match, stating,

“It was so weird. There were moments I felt like I don’t know what I was doing.”
“It was so weird. There were moments I felt like I don’t know what I was doing.”