Luka Doncic Scores 45 in First Game Back in Dallas as a Laker
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Dallas — April 9, 2025: Luka Doncic turned an emotional homecoming into a dominant performance, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Playing in Dallas for the first time since a Feb. 1 trade sent him to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round draft pick, the 26-year-old guard erupted for 45 points. Doncic shot 16-for-28 from the field and 7-for-10 from three-point range while adding eight rebounds, six assists and four steals.
The night began with a video tribute highlighting Doncic’s six-season tenure in Dallas, including last year’s run to the NBA Finals. Visibly moved, he wiped away tears on the Lakers bench as Mavericks fans delivered an extended ovation.
Once play started, the crowd’s mood shifted. Chants of “Fire Nico!”—aimed at Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison—echoed through the arena as Doncic piled up points against his former teammates.
Davis struggled in his first matchup with Los Angeles, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting, 11 rebounds and six assists. The Lakers’ victory secured a berth in the 2025 postseason.
Afterward, Doncic credited his new club for supporting him through a charged atmosphere. “Everybody had my back, from coaches to players,” he said. “We’re trying to build something special here, and that was really nice to see.”
Source: LakersNation.com
