The Los Angeles Lakers saw their brief win streak end Tuesday night with a 136-120 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. There isn't time to dwell on the defeat, though, as the Lakers will be back in action less than 24 hours later when they face the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
A Lakers-Mavericks matchup is usually notable, however, this evening's showdown is even more so than usual. After all, Wednesday's clash marks Luka Doncic's first game in Dallas since he was swapped with Anthony Davis before the trade deadline, meaning many fans are wondering how the Slovenia superstar is feeling this close to tip-off.
Lakers News: Luka Doncic Feeling Emotional Ahead of Dallas Return
Following Tuesday's loss, Doncic was asked about where his mind is heading into Wednesday's Mavericks matchup. After spending parts of seven seasons in Dallas, the 26-year-old stud made it clear that he's expecting an emotional night at American Airlines Center.
"It's going to be a lot of emotions for me," Doncic admitted, per CBS Sports' Briana Aldridge.
Luka talking about returning to Dallas. “It’s going to be a lot of emotions for me.”@CBSNewsTexas @CBSSportsTexas pic.twitter.com/PHAZP9CsxA
— Briana Aldridge (@BreeAldridge) April 9, 2025
It isn't a secret that Doncic's Dallas exit has been somewhat controversial. Aside from the move shocking his old fanbase out of nowhere, reports quickly emerged after the trade indicating that the Mavericks were concerned about Doncic's health and didn't view him on the same level as others did around the league.
Still, any post-trade controversy can't overshine the emotions running through Doncic. Even if Mavericks management's opinion of him faded with time, that doesn't change the fact that the five-time NBA All-Star created a litany of memories in Dallas that he and the fanbase won't soon forget. Most human beings would be experiencing similar emotions if they were in his shoes.
Even though things haven't been perfect in L.A., Doncic is growing more comfortable with each passing game. The former NBA MVP finalist is averaging 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 42.2% from the floor and 36.0% from deep in 26 appearances, helping the Lakers to a 16-10 record in those outings.
Meanwhile, a groin injury has limited Davis to only seven outings with the Mavericks. Although Dallas is a respectable 5-2 in those contests, it's worth noting that the ex-Lakers' play has dropped off since the trade, as he's only averaging 20.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and .455/.261/.683 splits under head coach Jason Kidd's guidance.
Davis is still dealing with his groin issue, however, he's listed as being 'probable' for the Lakers-Mavericks tilt.
Only time will tell if Doncic will get the last laugh against his former team. He already recorded a triple-double (19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists) when the Lakers notched a 107-99 win over the Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, opening the door to recreate history tonight.
Speaking of which, the Lakers are being listed as the 3.5-point favorites over the Mavericks on FanDuel Sportsbook just a few hours before the action begins.
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