Insider reveals Anthony Davis' message to Luka Doncic after 45-point game vs Mavericks

Blockbuster trade partners Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic matched up for the first time since swapping teams in Wednesday's clash between the Lakers and Mavericks. It was a big and more emotional moment for Doncic, who returned to the American Airlines Center for the first time since the massive trade.

He even shed tears before the game began as the Mavericks paid him a heartfelt video tribute. Doncic didn't hold his emotions back as the home crowd cheered him on. The five-time All-Star earned everyone's sympathy as they realized how much Dallas meant to him after watching his reaction to the tribute.

Anthony Davis, who was also blindsided in this deal, knew what Luka Doncic went through emotionally as he felt the same about leaving LA, a place where he envisioned himself staying in the long run. However, both organizations opted to go in different directions

Despite conceding a mammoth 45-point night and a 112-97 home loss, every member of the Mavericks organization, including Davis, comforted Doncic after the game and let him know they were proud of him. Here's what NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote on X:

"Every single member of the Mavs, including Anthony Davis, came up to Luka Doncic after the game smiling and telling them how proud of him they are. That was followed by hugs from Patrick Mahomes and Mark Cuban."

Luka Doncic was numb to the point where he almost gave up stepping on the court after watching the tribute video. However, his teammates had his back, and the Slovenian didn't take long to lock in and produce his best performance of the year.