Luka Doncic finished with 45 points in his return to Dallas as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-97 on Wednesday.
Doncic became emotional when he was honored with a video tribute during player introductions.
“After that video, I was, like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game,'” Doncic said. “It was so many emotions.”
Doncic had 14 points in the first quarter and 31 points by halftime.
Doncic added that he appreciated going through the experience with his new teammates.
“Everybody had my back, from coaches to players, and we’re trying to build something special here,” said Doncic. “That was really, really, really nice to see.”
JJ Redick said that the experience was good for team chemistry.
“Greg [St. Jean] said to me, ‘This is going to be awesome for our group to go through this with him, and for him to go through this with them,'” said Redick of his conversation with the Lakers assistant coach.
LeBron James described Doncic as having an “out-of-body experience” and that he was “locked in from start to finish.”
Anthony Davis finished the game with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lakers officially clinched a playoff berth with the win.
