Luka Doncic sends heartfelt wishes to Anthony Davis after 13-point outing vs Lakers

Luka Doncic made a victorious return to the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night as his LA Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 112-97. The Slovenian sensation lit up the scoreboard with a game-high 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, along with eight rebounds, six assists and four steals in 38 minutes of action.

Anthony Davis, the main piece the Mavericks acquired in the blockbuster trade for Doncic, tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists while going 5-for-13 from the field. Max Christie, another player included in the trade, added 11 points on eight shots.

After the game, Doncic spoke about Davis and expressed support for the big man’s new chapter in Dallas.

"I think he's (Davis) an amazing player, and I think he's gonna do really good in Dallas," Doncic said (per Lakers Daily).

Davis has now played eight games in a Mavericks jersey, averaging 19.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

Doncic, meanwhile, has averaged 27.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 7.6 apg across 27 appearances for the Lakers.

Luka Doncic on Dallas: "It’s time to move on"

Luka Doncic got emotional watching the tribute video the Mavericks prepared for his return. Following his 45-point performance, he reflected on his time in Dallas.

“I don’t know how I did it because when I was watching that video I was like ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game,’” he said postgame (per The Guardian). “But all my teammates had my back and were really supporting me.”

“There were so many emotions I can’t even explain. It brought tears to my eyes. I came here as a young kid, aged 18, and they made me feel like it was home. Just a lot of great memories.”

Still, despite the deep connection, Doncic made it clear he’s focused on the future.

“I love these fans, I love this city but it’s time to move on.”

With the win, Luka Doncic and the Lakers locked in a playoff spot in the crowded Western Conference, becoming just the third team in the West to clinch, behind the top-seeded OKC Thunder and the second-seeded Houston Rockets.

The Lakers now look ahead to their final two regular-season games: hosting the Rockets on Friday and then finishing on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.