Over two months removed from what is now considered the most stunning trade in NBA history, Luka Dončić has acclimated to the bright lights of Los Angeles while donning the purple and gold. After a shaky adjustment period, Dončić is averaging a remarkable 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists in his 27 appearances as a Laker. Not bad for a guy traded for being “out of shape” and “lazy.”
On Wednesday, April 11, Dončić returned to his old stomping grounds in a matchup that captivated the basketball world. Since Dončić departed from the Lone Star State, NBA enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the clash at American Airlines Center between the Lakers and Dončić’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks. As ESPN started its broadcast, viewers could feel animosity between Dallas fans and Mavs general manager Nico Harrison through their television screens. Emmitic tensions bounced like a ball on the hardwood as “Fire Nico” cries echoed throughout the arena, a common occurrence since Harrison traded Dončić in February. Today, Mavericks supporters weren’t cheering for Dallas; they were cheering for Luka Dončić.
And then, the tribute video played.
Dončić, now sitting on the Dallas opposing team’s bench for the first time in his career, looked up at the jumbotron to see the highlight video from his time as a Maverick. Countless memories, performances and antics flashed across the screen, making Dončić emotional. The crowd applauded as Dončić’s game winners, mind-boggling passes and jaw-dropping step-backs reminded them of what could have been. The cheers only got louder when water welled in Dončić’s eyes, threatening to overflow with each passing second. Dončić buried his head in his towel, wiping away tears and perhaps memories along with them. As the video concluded, “Hvala za vse, Luka!” filled the jumbotron, an ode to Dončić’s Slovenian heritage, and a way of saying, “Thanks for everything, Luka.”
“LUKA! LUKA! LUKA!” chants rained from the rafters as Dončić gingerly stood up from the bench as the announcer called his name over the loudspeaker. Walking down the handshake line, Dončić embraced multiple Laker teammates before taking the pregame huddle.
Now, it was game time.
From the jump, it was clear Dončić was on a mission. He easily got to his spots, making fadeaway jumpers in front of the nail look effortless and off-the-dribble threes appear natural.
With five minutes remaining in the first quarter, Dončić brought the ball up after a Maverick missed shot. Just after crossing halfcourt, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura set an on-ball screen for Dončić near the center-court logo. Dončić used the screen to get Hachimura’s defender, Anthony Davis, to switch his defensive assignment and now guard the Slovenian. Dončić now had Davis, the key player Harrison traded him for, on an island at the top of the key. With the ball in his left hand, Dončić went to his patented move: a between-the-legs dribble into a stepback. Although Davis stands at 6’10” with a 7’6″ wingspan, Dončić created enough separation to let his shot fly over Davis’ outstretched arm.
The 24-foot triple didn’t even touch the rim.
Dončić’s swish brought him to 9 early points in the contest, before another long-range shot lifted him to 12 at the end of the first quarter.
Similar Dončić dominance continued in the second, the highlight moment being when Lebron James zipped a pass from the left wing to Hachimura in the right corner, forcing Dallas into defensive rotation. The Lakers were now in “blender,” an action where the offense looks to take advantage of the rotating defense to find the open player. Dončić’s defender went to close out Hachimura, meaning Dončić was left alone on the right wing. Hachimura swung the ball to Dončić, who let the triple fly, connecting on nothing but net again. Dončić stood at the 3-point line after the ball hit the ground, holding his follow-through in the air for just a moment longer than usual, as if to let the Mavericks know:
“You messed up.”
Dončić ended the contest with 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. He shot 16-28 from the floor, including 6-9 from behind the arc. He also amassed a staggering +26 box +/- score in Los Angeles’ 112-97 win to cap off his legendary performance. With the NBA playoffs starting on April 19, the Lakers look to compete for a championship amid a loaded Western Conference and a tandem of title favorites out east, and Dončić may be the key to getting them there.
