Lakers vs. Mavericks game: How many points did Luka Doncic score tonight?
Luka Doncic Shines in Emotional Return to Dallas, Leading Lakers to Victory.
Dallas witnessed a highly anticipated showdown as Luka Doncic made his return to the American Airlines Center with the Los Angeles Lakers, facing off against his former team, the Mavericks.
In his first game back since the blockbuster trade that sent him to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Doncic delivered a commanding performance. The star guard, who had spent six-and-a-half seasons with the Mavericks, appeared determined to make a statement, dropping an impressive 45 points in the Lakers’ 112-97 triumph.
The Dallas crowd, still deeply connected to their former franchise player, responded with resounding support, showering him with a standing ovation as he exited the game.
Doncic had already showcased his versatility in his first matchup against Dallas in Los Angeles, recording a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. However, his return to Dallas proved even more remarkable, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most electrifying talents.
Check out his full stat-line from this unforgettable night.
Luka Doncic stats vs. Mavericks:
| Points | 45 |
| FG | 16-for-28 |
| 3PT | 7-for-10 |
| FT | 6-for-9 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Steals | 4 |
| Blocks | 0 |
| Turnovers | 3 |
| Fouls | 4 |
| Minutes played | 38 |
Mavericks Honor Luka Doncic with Emotional Tribute in Return to Dallas.
The Dallas Mavericks welcomed back Luka Doncic in a heartfelt tribute at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday, marking his first appearance in Dallas since his shocking February trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ahead of tip-off, the Mavericks sought to mend any lingering tension by celebrating Doncic’s six-and-a-half seasons with the franchise. The team presented a special pregame video highlighting his most memorable moments—both on and off the court—from his tenure in Dallas.
The emotional tribute clearly resonated with Doncic, who was seen wiping away tears before being introduced as part of the Lakers’ starting lineup. The ovation from the home crowd reflected the deep connection he built with Mavericks fans throughout his career.
It was a poignant moment, honoring Doncic’s contributions to the franchise while marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Ahead of Luka Dončić’s emotional return to the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks ensured the night carried a heartfelt message. As a tribute to their former star, the team placed shirts on every seat in the arena featuring the Slovenian phrase “Hvala za vse,” which translates to “Thank you for everything.”
The gesture was part of a broader effort to honor Dončić’s six-and-a-half seasons with the franchise, reinforcing the deep appreciation the organization and its fans still hold for him. The display set the tone for an emotional evening as Dončić took the court against his former team for the first time since his February trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Following the game, Luka Dončić shared his heartfelt reaction to the Mavericks’ pregame tribute, admitting that watching the video stirred “so many emotions.” The star guard, who spent six-and-a-half seasons with Dallas before his February trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, was visibly moved by the montage celebrating his time with the franchise.
“It brought tears to my eyes,” he said. “I came (to Dallas) as a young kid. … They made me feel like home. Just a lot of great memories.
“I’m so happy,” Dončić added. “I love these fans, I love this city, but it’s time to move on.”
“I don’t know how I did it, because when I was watching that video I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.’ But all my teammates had my back. They really supported me, so I appreciate that,” Dončić said.
Lakers Clinch Playoff Berth, Eye No. 3 Seed in Western Conference
With a decisive victory on Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers officially secured their spot in the playoffs. Now, just one more win stands between them and the coveted No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
The Lakers will have two opportunities to solidify their position, facing the Houston Rockets on Friday before wrapping up the regular season against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. A victory in either matchup would ensure their place among the top contenders heading into the postseason.