On Wednesday, LA Lakers star Luka Doncic stepped foot inside the American Airlines Center for the first time since his controversial trade from the Dallas Mavericks. It was mostly an emotional return for Doncic, who spent almost seven seasons with the franchise that traded for him during the 2018 NBA Draft.
His friends, former teammates and coaches got to see him put on a show one more time in the 2024-25 NBA season. Doncic had a remarkable performance as he had 45 points on 57.1 percent shooting to lead LA past Dallas with a 112-97 win.
Doncic became just the second player after Wilt Chamberlain to score 45 points with and against a team in the same season.

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After Wednesday's contest, Doncic's former teammate, Spencer Dinwiddie, told the Slovenian star about his amazing performance.
"Did you know that 45 is the highest comeback game?" Dinwiddie told the Lakers star (1:08). "You had the highest comeback game.
"Who?" Doncic asked.
"You did."
Doncic also took time to greet and hug each of his former teammates. He even had a moment with Davis, who had 13 points and 11 rebounds against the Los Angeles team. Finally, the 6-foot-6 guard had a playful interaction with Mavs minority owner Mark Cuban.
"No, f**k you," the business mogul said (1:38).
The two laughed at what the famed businessman said. Doncic also gave Cuban's son, Jake, a hug.
This was the second time Luka Doncic played against his former team since he was traded. However, the Lakers' win over the Mavericks on Wednesday was the first time the European star was back in Dallas.
The five-time All-NBA received a warm welcome from the fans, who still have a soft spot for the superstar. The Mavericks also made a video tribute for Doncic, which moved the star guard to tears.
Anthony Davis revealed what he told Luka Doncic
After the game, Luka Doncic hugged Davis, and the Mavericks big man said something to the Lakers star. During the media availability of AD after the game, he revealed what he told Doncic.
According to the former Kentucky forward, he told Doncic, "Good game." Both players were blindsided by the organizations involved in the blockbuster deal. However, Davis said there's nothing they can do about it now but move on.
Since getting traded for Luka Doncic, Davis has played eight games for Dallas. He's averaging 19.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 44.8 percent shooting from the field.
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