Luka Dončić’s return to Dallas on Saturday night once again highlighted the bond he still shares with the Mavericks fan base. Even though it was not his first game at American Airlines Center as a Los Angeles Laker, the reception made it clear that time has not softened the city’s affection for its former franchise star.
Luka Dončić Receives Warm Welcome vs. Mavericks
The Lakers entered the Jan. 24 matchup with a 26–17 record, while the Mavericks, continuing to struggle post-Dončić trade, stood at 19–26. Before the game even tipped off, Dončić became the focal point of the night.
When his name was announced first among the Lakers’ starters, the Dallas crowd responded with a loud ovation. Mavericks reporter Grant Afseth noted the moment on X:
Luka Dončić is the first Los Angeles Laker starter announced and he receives a loud ovation from the crowd. pic.twitter.com/eCdxsAV9gs
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) January 25, 2026
The warm welcome came nearly a year after Dončić’s stunning departure from Dallas. In a blockbuster three-team trade finalized around Feb. 2, 2025, the Mavericks sent Dončić to the Lakers in a deal that brought Anthony Davis to Dallas. The move was heavily criticized and never sat well with fans, many of whom viewed Dončić as untouchable.
The fallout from the trade eventually culminated in the firing of general manager Nico Harrison. Despite adding Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, Dallas has failed to regain momentum and currently sits 11th in the Western Conference.
Dončić Going Strong With the Lakers
Dončić, meanwhile, has firmly established himself in Los Angeles. He signed a three-year, $165 million maximum extension with the Lakers in August 2025 and has become the clear centerpiece of the franchise.
In his first full season, he is averaging 33.4 points per game, leading both the Lakers and the league in scoring.
Dončić has now averaged 33.0 points, 9.7 assists, and 9.3 rebounds in three career games against the Mavericks, including a 35-point outing in the Lakers’ earlier 129–119 win this season.
That said, this was not the first time Dallas fans showed their appreciation. In April 2025, during his first game against the Mavericks as a Laker, the crowd chanted “MVP,” and the organization played a tribute video honoring his time in Dallas, leaving Dončić visibly emotional.
Once the face of the franchise and a perennial MVP candidate, Dončić led Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals and two Western Conference Finals appearances in 2022 and 2024. He also owns the Mavericks’ single-game scoring record, scoring 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 26, 2024.
Even after a trade that altered the trajectory of both franchises, Dallas fans continue to count Dončić as one of their own.
