After the shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA fans eagerly awaited his return to Dallas. Nine weeks later, on April 9th, the game arrived, becoming a highly anticipated regular-season event.
While the Mavericks had already faced Doncic and the Lakers once before, this game in Dallas was the league`s main attraction. Doncic, the Dallas crowd, and both teams rose to the occasion. The former Mavericks star reminded his old team and fans exactly what they lost after his trade.
Doncic`s incredible performance of 45 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists led the Lakers to a 112-97 victory, securing their playoff berth. Despite an emotional pregame tribute, Doncic dominated with 31 first-half points, electrifying the Dallas crowd.
ESPN insiders analyze the electric atmosphere, the Mavericks` offseason challenges, and the Lakers` playoff potential following Doncic`s impactful return.
1. The Atmosphere in Dallas: Emotional and Electric
The atmosphere was a mix of emotions, electrifying energy, and awkward moments. Doncic was visibly moved during the Mavericks` tribute video, highlighting the emotional impact of his departure from Dallas, a city he considered his NBA home.
Many fans in the American Airlines Center, including Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, shared this sentiment. Some fans wore “Thank you for everything” T-shirts in Slovenian, while many others sported Doncic jerseys – from Mavericks to Lakers. Frustration with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, seen as responsible for the trade, was also palpable with “Fire Nico!” chants echoing through the arena.
Despite the mixed emotions, Doncic received an outpouring of love and delivered an outstanding performance against his former team.
2. Key Takeaway: Doncic Embraces Laker Identity
This game marked Doncic`s true integration into the Lakers. The team rallied around him in a supportive environment, despite the vulnerability inherent in a return game. Doncic, aware of the emotional weight, even requested a towel pre-game, anticipating his reaction to the tribute video. The Lakers` collective experience strengthened their team bond.
While Doncic`s passionate personality remains unchanged, his connection with his Lakers team deepened on this night. His post-game statement, “It`s time to move on,” to ESPN, signifies his commitment to his new chapter.
Despite ongoing roster challenges for the Lakers, this victory, built on a memorable team performance, could be a crucial stepping stone towards future success and playoff contention.
3. Doncic`s Performance: Everything Hoped For
Doncic`s performance exceeded expectations. He quickly transitioned from emotional tears to dominating the court, sinking three 3-pointers in each of the first two quarters, totaling 31 first-half points – his Laker high.
His scoring slowed in the second half, highlighting the importance of his partnership with LeBron James, who contributed 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter. Doncic then closed out the game, scoring seven consecutive points before exiting to a standing ovation with 45 points.
He reached this total efficiently, requiring only 28 shots and nine free throws, along with 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. This game marked his second-highest game score of the season, reminiscent of his many exceptional performances for Mavericks fans, making this return bittersweet. Doncic joins Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to score 45+ points both for and against the same team in a single season.
4. Dallas Offseason Priorities: Roster Reconstruction
Dallas`s main offseason goals include the return of a healthy Kyrie Irving, utilizing their lottery pick, and exploring trade opportunities. Limited by free agency funds, their assets lie in three first-round picks and tradable players in the $2-16 million salary range.
A potential target could be Kevin Durant to join Irving and Anthony Davis, although creating cap space for this trio, earning a combined $150 million, would be challenging, requiring significant player trades while staying under the first apron.
GM Nico Harrison`s history of bold moves suggests the Mavericks` roster could significantly change before the next season, continuing his pursuit of a championship-caliber team. Only Dwight Powell and Spencer Dinwiddie remain from the 2022 Western Conference Finals team, highlighting Harrison`s active roster management.
5. Lakers` Playoff Potential: Offense as Key
The Lakers` playoff journey hinges on their offensive firepower. The lineup of Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves is highly effective offensively, scoring 119.5 points per 100 possessions. However, defensively, they concede 121.8 points per 100 possessions.
Despite defensive improvements, the Lakers might struggle against top playoff offenses. Their playoff success will rely on Doncic, James, and Reaves maximizing their offensive synergy. The Western Conference bracket may favor the Lakers, potentially avoiding the Thunder until the conference finals. However, challenging first-round matchups are possible.
While a first-round exit is plausible in the competitive West, the Lakers, with their star power and playoff experience, could also advance to the conference finals and challenge top contenders. Their fate rests on their ability to weaponize their potent offense in the playoffs.
