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          Sights and sounds from Luka Doncic's return to Dallas

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          Luka on return to Dallas: 'I love these fans, I love this city' (1:29)

          Lakers star Luka Doncic reacts to his 45-point performance in his first game back in Dallas since being traded. (1:29)

          • ESPN staffApr 9, 2025, 10:31 PM ET

          Sixty-six days ago, Luka Doncic's career changed forever.

          After he spent his first 6Β½ seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, winning Rookie of the Year (2019), making five All-NBA teams and leading the franchise to its first NBA Finals since 2011, the unthinkable happened.

          During the midnight hour on Feb. 2, Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and draft rights to a 2029 Lakers first-round pick. The trade was so shocking that other players from around the association believed it to be fake on social media.

          He finally made his return to the American Airlines Center to face his former team on Wednesday. Doncic dominated with 45 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in a 112-97 Lakers win. His 45 points are the third most by a player in his first road game against a former team in NBA history, according to ESPN Research.

          Here are the sights and sounds from the Lakers guard's return to Dallas.

          Sports world praises Doncic's performance

          Former Lakers star Pau Gasol expressed his support for Doncic after his big game. Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes was traded by the Mavericks in February, two days after the Doncic deal. He made sure to give his former teammate a shoutout.

          Fans show love as Doncic exits the game

          After a dominant performance in his return, Doncic received a standing ovation as he subbed out with 1:34 left in the game.

          Dallas' tribute sparks emotional and joyful response

          Doncic said he'd expect a lot of emotions playing against his former team on the road for the first time. As Dallas rolled its tribute for the 26-year-old, Doncic wiped tears away as the PA announcer made his introduction.

          New team, same pregame routine

          Doncic kept his pregame routine the same -- once he made a half-court shot, fans praised him as Lakers coaches did pushups.

          Luka welcomed with cheers inside arena

          Fans began cheering for the Lakers star as he greeted staff members and Mavericks guard Klay Thompson.

          Mavs fan or Luka fan?

          One fan took matters into his own hands, using duct tape and a marker to jokingly convert Doncic's Mavericks jersey into a Lakers uniform.

          Luka arrives to American Airlines Center

          Donning all black for his arrival, Doncic passed a display that featured images of the three former Mavs in the blockbuster trade -- himself, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris -- along with the message: "Thanks for the memories."

          Mavericks fill arena with shirts for fans

          On each seat in the American Airlines Center is a white T-shirt with the text "Hvala za vse," which is Slovenian for "thank you for everything" -- a special message from the franchise to Doncic.