(WBAP/KLIF) (Includes content from WFAA TV 8) DALLAS – Fans felt the emotion that filled the American Airlines Center during the Dallas Mavericks’ pregame tribute to Luka Doncic Wednesday night at The American Airlines Center.
Just before Luka was introduced in the Lakers starting lineup, the team played a video looking back on his six-and-a-half years in Dallas. It was his first game back at American Airlines Center since he was traded in February. The tribute highlighted Doncics’ career in Dallas starting with the moment he was drafted.
The tribute ended with the message, “Hvala Za Vse, Luka!” which is the same phrase printed on shirts that were put on every seat in the arena. The saying, in Doncic’s native Slovenian language, means “Thank you so much.”
The emotion could be seen on Doncic’s face while the footage played overhead.
He hit 6 of his 8 three three-pointers in the first half as part of a 31-point showing in the first two periods. He played 19 minutes during the first two quarters. And he made 11 of his 16 shots from the field, to help the Lakers lead by 3 at halftime. In the second half, Doncic added 14 more points for a total of 45
The final score was Mavericks 97. The Lakers 112.
(Copyright WBAP/KLIF 2025. All rights reserved.)