Is Luka Doncic playing tonight against the Dallas Mavericks? Latest on Lakers superstar's availability (Apr. 9)

Luka Doncic is expected to lace up against his former franchise when he returns to the American Airlines Center on Wednesday. The contest marks the first time he returns to Dallas after the league-altering move saw him traded to the LA Lakers for Anthony Davis. It will be a massive night at the AAC as they welcome their former superstar and franchise cornerstone, who will now show up in as the face of the Purple and Gold outfit.

The Lakers are yet to release an updated injury report as the Mavericks matchup is their second game, part of their back-to-back. But safe to say, Doncic will be the cynosure of all eyes as he makes an emotional return to where he began his NBA career.

The All-Star guard comes off a 23-point outing in the loss to the OKC Thunder. A controversial call saw him ejected as LA slipped to 48-31 with the loss. The Mavericks pose a stern challenge with Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II back in the fold.

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"It's going to be very emotional": Luka Doncic makes feelings clear upon return to Dallas

Speaking to the reporters after the loss to the Thunder, Luka Doncic was asked about the return to Dallas for the first time since the blockbuster trade. The Slovenian admitted to the night being emotional.

"Of course, it's going to be a lot of emotion for me. I don't even know what to expect. I don't know how I'm going to feel, honestly. I know I'm looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously. ... It's going to be very emotional for me for sure."

Both teams meet for the second time since the mammoth trade. The Lakers had the win the last time these sides met with Doncic dropping a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, and two blocks.