Luka Doncic made no try to cover his feelings when he returned to face his former group.
When Luka Doncic checked into the American Airways Middle he was stuffed with pleasure. However earlier than tip-off, he sat via a video package deal paying tribute to his efforts carrying the Dallas Mavericks colours.
This was Doncic’s first return to Dallas since being abruptly traded to the LA Lakers. ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon had later claimed the commerce ‘broke Doncic’s coronary heart‘.
To some this will likely have appeared like hyperbole. However witnessing how Doncic was left in tears watching the video package deal made very clear that he’ll all the time stay emotionally tied to the group not directly.
Doncic was supported by his LA Lakers teammates and wiped away his tears to attain 45 factors towards the Mavericks in a 112-97 victory.
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Dallas MavericksDallas Mavericks
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Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles Lakers

You possibly can solely respect Luka Doncic for being open along with his feelings previous to the Mavericks-Lakers contest in Dallas.
His subsequent efficiency was much more spectacular, when he scored 45 factors to guide a spectacular 112-97 win.
Doncic’s each transfer was cheered, with the group unwilling to root towards the Slovenian prodigy, who’s profiting from his new begin on the LA Lakers.
Kendrick Perkins posted on X: “What a stress reduction for Luka, I’ve by no means seen a participant show true feelings like this, and nonetheless exit and be an murderer.”
The worst take got here from former Fox and ESPN analyst Skip Bayless, who questioned Luka Doncic’s dedication to the Lakers.
He posted a video led with the phrases: “If I’m LeBron or Austin Reaves and I see Luka crying earlier than the sport, I’m considering – “Should you miss it this badly, do you need to keep right here? Don’t you need to be a Laker?”
Luka Doncic’s actions on the courtroom proved his dedication to the LA Lakers. This was a efficiency that matched his highest complete for the group.
His measured and surgical efficiency was adopted by feedback made out of Doncic after the sport.
It’s Mavericks followers who can’t transfer on, and can’t let go. There have been chants of ‘Fireplace Nico’ all through the sport, even when their very own group was taking free throws, directed in direction of GM Nico Harrison.
Talking after the sport, Doncic made his stance very clear.
“I like these followers, I like this metropolis, nevertheless it’s time to maneuver on.”
These feedback had been made earlier than Skip Bayless posted his take, which fully missed the mark.
This was an expertise that introduced the Lakers locker room and Doncic nearer collectively than ever, topped off with a win.