Luka Dončić Returns to Dallas, Drops 33 in Lakers Comeback Win Over Mavericks
DALLAS - Luka Dončić may wear purple and gold now, but to Mavericks fans, he’s still very much part of the family.
In his second game back at American Airlines Center since last year’s blockbuster trade, Dončić put on a vintage performance - only this time, it came at the expense of his former team. The 26-year-old Slovenian nearly notched a 30-point triple-double, finishing with 33 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds in the Lakers’ 116-110 win over the Mavericks on Saturday night.
From the moment he stepped onto the court, it was clear: Dallas still loves Luka. The crowd erupted during introductions, and Dončić couldn’t help but smile.
One fan, celebrating his 46th birthday in a No. 77 Mavs jersey, summed it up best: “We still miss Luka,” he said.
“We’re still holding out hope he might come back.”
That hope was literally spelled out during the game, as a group of fans held up a sign behind the basket that read: “COME HOME.”
But on the court, Dončić was all business. He hit two of his signature stepback threes, controlled the pace of the game like a maestro, and lived at the free-throw line - converting 14 of 15 attempts. His ability to manipulate defenders, draw contact, and make the right read continues to be elite, and the Mavericks simply didn’t have an answer down the stretch.
Dallas actually had this game in hand for much of the night. They led by 15 with 7:41 left in the fourth quarter, looking poised to extend their win streak to five.
But then the wheels came off. The Lakers closed the game on a 29-8 run, flipping the script and handing the Mavericks a loss that will sting - especially given the circumstances.
Dončić scored nine of his 33 in the final frame, including a crafty driving layup with just over 50 seconds left that pushed the lead to eight and effectively sealed the deal.
It wasn’t just the numbers - it was the way Dončić controlled the moment. He slowed the game when needed, sped it up when the opportunity was there, and picked apart Dallas’ defense with a blend of patience and precision that only a handful of players in the league possess.
Mavericks guard Max Christie, who dropped 24 points against his former team, acknowledged the challenge of containing his old teammate.
“Obviously, Luka’s going to get his numbers every time,” Christie said. “He was all over the game.
We tried to make him drive, get him off that three-point line. But he got to the line too much, and he was passing it really well.”
That’s the thing with Dončić - take away one part of his game, and he’ll beat you with another. And when he’s locked in like this, there’s not a whole lot you can do.
Cooper Flagg, the face of the Mavericks’ new era, had a solid all-around performance with 16 points, seven boards, and six assists. But it wasn’t his most efficient night.
The Lakers dared him to shoot, and he struggled to find his rhythm, going 7-for-20 from the field and just 1-for-5 from deep. It’s a reminder that while Flagg’s ceiling is sky-high, he’s still learning how to navigate the league’s defensive schemes - especially against teams like the Lakers that know how to test young stars.
Still, Flagg’s impact was felt. He made plays on both ends, showed flashes of his elite potential, and continues to grow into the franchise cornerstone role. But on this night, the spotlight belonged to the guy who used to hold that title.
In a moment that perfectly captured the emotional tug-of-war of the night, Dončić briefly forgot he no longer plays for Dallas. As he made his way toward the tunnel at halftime, he instinctively started walking toward the Mavericks’ locker room before realizing his mistake and doubling back toward the Lakers’. Old habits die hard.
“I was here seven years,” Dončić said postgame. “A lot of things happened - bad and good.
I kinda describe it like when I went to Madrid when I was 13. Every time I went back to Slovenia, I felt good.
That’s why it’s always going to be a special place.”
The Mavericks may be turning the page with Flagg, but the connection between Dončić and Dallas clearly hasn’t faded. And while he’s now chasing championships in Los Angeles - bolstered by a fresh three-year extension - the bond with this city remains unshakable.
Even with icy roads and freezing temperatures blanketing north Texas, fans showed up in force for the game, officially listed as a sellout. Dončić noticed.
“I didn’t know what to expect before the game, because I know how the city gets when the weather is this bad,” he said. “But I really appreciate a lot of people showing up.”
Luka Dončić came back to Dallas and reminded everyone why he’s still one of the best in the game. And while the jersey may have changed, the love from Mavericks fans hasn’t gone anywhere.