Luka Doncic made his coveted return to the American Airlines Center on Wednesday when his Los Angeles Lakers came to town to take on the Dallas Mavericks.
It was Doncic’s first time back in the building where he played the first seven years of his career, and he was emotional in his return to the arena.
Prior to tip-off, the Mavericks played a tribute video for Doncic on the big screen, and he couldn’t hold back the tears as he reminisced on his time with the organization.
Luka 💔 pic.twitter.com/uj1ZoPdtSR
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 9, 2025
Seeing Doncic wipe the tears out of his eyes truly resonated with NBA fans, who shared their sympathy and support for the 26-year-old on social media.
Mavs really broke Luka’s heart 💔 pic.twitter.com/MrqvDAg9gd
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 9, 2025
Luka shedding tons of tears during his Mavericks tribute video.
This is all so crazy.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 9, 2025
Tough seeing Luka tear up man
— Master (@MasterTes) April 9, 2025
me 🤝 luka
crying right now— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) April 9, 2025
It is cruel to trade a guy who didn’t want to leave town and then play him a tribute video.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) April 9, 2025
The Luka lip quiver while he watches this video is taking me out 🥹
— Jessica Benson (@jessbensontv) April 9, 2025
Luka is shaking and in tears.
Nico Harrison why did you do this?
I’m a grown man and I’m crying.
This sucks. pic.twitter.com/xEd7zDJC5K
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) April 9, 2025
The love and connection between the city of Dallas and Luka Doncic is about as real as anything in pro-sports ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RePiDkjICZ
— Jason Gallagher (@jga41agher) April 9, 2025
It was a highly emotional return for Doncic, as well as Mavericks fans who were nothing short of heartbroken to see him leave the organization just one year after he carried the team to an NBA Finals appearance.
