Last week, Luka Doncic made his first visit back to Dallas since joining the Lakers. Before tip-off, the Mavericks presented Luka with a tribute video showcasing Luka’s time in Dallas, starting on draft night in 2018 and concluding with the Finals run last year.
The video showed buzzer beater moments, playoff games, and team huddles. Luka was visibly very emotional, and at one point had to turn away from the jumbotron, frantically wiping his eyes several times with a towel.
The most poignant moment was the last-ever shot he made on that home court during last year’s Western Conference Finals. Later, he would tell that video really hit him, for it reminded him of all the things they had achieved together—as underdogs—and as brothers.
ALL THE FEELS FOR LUKA'S RETURN TO DALLAS ❤️
— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2025
The Mavs honored Luka with a tribute video before he took the court with the Lakers 👏 pic.twitter.com/462QhwjDRC
Then came the emotional moment with the legend LeBron James. At the end of the video, Doncic went to bear-hug King James. No words were exchanged. The respect was mutual.
The other post on social media from Purp Gold said,
“Luka felt safe with Big Brother Bron.”
That’s what big brothers are for 💔 pic.twitter.com/bu8Skuh6qo
— 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 🏆 (@PurpGolded) April 10, 2025
Dončić also exchanged warm embraces with his new Lakers teammates, particularly with Markieff Morris, who had made a similar transition from Dallas to LA.
Luka poured in 45, led the Lakers to a 112-97 win. Every time it touched his hand, the crowd at American Airlines Arena roared. The arena was packed with fans wearing shirts that read “Thanks so much (in Slovenian)”.
Five-time NBA champion Magic Johnson called it a “special homecoming,” enthusing over Luka’s “spectacular” performance, though he stated LeBron was the “true hero” of the night after a dominating fourth quarter.
Luka’s homecoming was special! He put on a spectacular show of his talent scoring 31 points by halftime and 45 points overall and received a rousing standing ovation from Mavericks fans before the game and at the end. The true hero tonight was LeBron James – he dominated the…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 10, 2025
LeBron has had nothing but praise for Luka Doncic
LeBron has had nothing but praise for Doncic for however long, not infrequently listing him among the greatest players he would want to share the floor with. “Favorite player in the NBA for a while now,” he called Doncic, all the while praising his unique style and basketball smarts.
LeBron described the duo as “two selfless competitors who love seeing the success of our teammates,” which spoke to their common approach to the game and leadership style.
LeBron has gone on record likening Doncic’s game to his own, insisting that “Luka plays like me” and emphasizing Doncic’s ability to “lead teammates, create meaningful friendships within a team.”
The partnership has been described as “spectacular and productive,” with both superstars heightening the Lakers’ championship hopes and respect throughout the league.
READ: Luka Doncic Tops NBA Jersey Sales in Historic First for International Players
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
