Will Mavericks pay video tribute to Luka Doncic on his return? Taking a closer look as superstar makes comeback with Lakers

Apr. 9 was a day that many basketball fans had circled on their calendars with LA Lakers superstar Luka Doncic set to return to Dallas to face his former team. It will be an emotional night for the Slovenian guard, who admitted it was "really hard" when he was traded by the Dallas Mavericks after six and a half years of service.

A huge crowd is expected at the American Airlines Center to show their respect for arguably the greatest player in Mavericks' history (a strong case could be made for Dirk Nowitzki). Per ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks will show a tribute video to honor the five-time All-Star.

"The franchise plans to play a tribute video for Doncic, sources said, providing fans in the arena a final opportunity to savor all of his accomplishments in a Mavs uniform -- and mourn not getting more," wrote MacMahon.

The news was also verified by Shams Charania. The well-known NBA insider posted a message on X confirming the tribute video, and added that the organization is planning "thank you shirts" as well.

However, there was one more interesting point that Tim MacMahon reported in his latest piece for the ESPN titled "Luka Doncic is 'still adapting' two months after trade to Lakers."

The Mavericks had planned some sponsorship deals for the game, but that will no longer go through after Luka Doncic's camp declined due to the fact that he now plays for Los Angeles.

"Team sources told ESPN that the Mavs had also lined up lucrative sponsorship deals for Wednesday's game, with multiple companies that Doncic endorses, but those deals fell apart after Doncic's camp declined to give its blessing, pointedly noting that he now plays for the Lakers," wrote MacMahon.

The game is set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPN. It should be a closely contested battle considering Dallas needs just one more victory to secure their spot in the play-in tournament, and the Lakers are battling to hold on to third-place in the West.

Lakers superstar Luka Doncic still adjusting to life in Southern California

LA Lakers guard Luka Doncic celebrates with LeBron James (23) after making a basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Photo Credit: Imagn

The decision to trade Luka Doncic just seven months after he guided the Mavericks to the NBA finals was one that stunned the sports world. The talented scorer seemed to be hitting his prime and was coming off a sensational season where he led the NBA with 33.9 points per game.

It has been over two months since the blockbuster trade was announced, but Doncic is still not completely settled in his new home.

"I know it's been two months or something, but still adapting a little bit. It was a big change. But it's getting better," said Doncic per ESPN.

Adjusting to a new city, especially one as massive and chaotic as Los Angeles, can be difficult. However, Doncic has continued to play at a high level on the court, producing a series of strong performances to help the Lakers move up to third place in the Western Conference standings.