Luka Doncic was left very emotional as he watched the Dallas Mavericks’ video tribute for him as he was getting introduced before the Los Angeles Lakers’ matchup on Wednesday night.

Luka Doncic was left very emotional upon watching the Mavericks’ tribute video before Dallas faced off against Los Angeles in the Lakers’ 112-97 win.

In early February, the NBA world was shocked when Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison traded the 26-year-old to the Lakers for a package headlined by Anthony Davis. Since then, Dallas’ fans have made it clear just how unpopular the move was, with fans showing up to the arena with a coffin in the wake of the trade and crowds shouting “Fire Nico” at home games.

While Doncic played against the Mavericks in Los Angeles in late February, Wednesday night was the first time the star played against his former team. And it was that the Slovenian star felt his emotions as he watched the video tribute the Mavericks prepared for him.

After his other teammates were called, Doncic was the last to be called and before he was introduced, Dallas played a lengthy tribute to the traded star. As Doncic sat and watched the video, cameras spotted the star with his lip quivering and tears in his eyes, repeatedly rubbing his face with a towel to hide his emotions.

It was clear the trade hurt Doncic deeply, as the star continually wiped tears from his eyes as the pregame festivities continued. And the Mavericks made it known that they still held their former star in high regard, with thousands of fans wearing some version of Doncic’s Dallas jersey.

Each fan in attendance was also given a shirt with the phrase “Hvala ze vse.” The Slovenian phrase on the shirt, when translated to English, reads: “Thank you for everything.”

Luka Doncic was very emotional in his first game back against the Dallas Mavericks (

Image:
X: @ESPN)

What’s more, fans continually cheered on Doncic despite donning a Lakers jersey. Whenever Doncic had the ball or made a shot, the crowd on hand showered the star with adulation, showing just much the 26-year-old meant to the franchise throughout the years.

At one point in the first quarter, a loud chorus of “Fire Nico” was showered onto the embattled general manager, who was among those who were in the arena. Although the emotions were on full display for Doncic, it did not appear to hinder the star’s play once the game began in earnest.

Doncic led all scorers with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, to go with two rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 11 first-quarter minutes. No matter who the Mavericks put on him, the Slovenian star was able to get his shot off, which landed through the net more often than not.

When he checked in with under eight minutes remaining in the second quarter, Doncic was once again showered with love from the Mavericks crowd. Overall, Doncic finished with 45 points, eight rebounds, six rebounds and four steals in 38 minutes of action in his first game back.

Many current and former players made their thoughts known on Doncic’s explosive offensive performance with Lakers legend Pau Gasol posting: “Bravooo @luka7doncic!! What an extraordinary performance in such an emotional night coming back to Dallas. Amazing welcome and love from the Mavs fans but I’m happy you’re a Laker!”

After the game, Doncic spoke with ESPN’s Lisa Salters about the emotions he felt throughout the game. “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,’” he admitted. “But, you know, all my teammates had my back. They were really supporting me, so I really appreciate that.”