Luka Doncic was honored by the Dallas Mavericks as the Slovenian guard went back to Dallas for the first time since the franchise traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. They decided this on their own and blindsided Doncic, alongside the entire world, but trading one of the best 25-year-olds in NBA history just a few months removed from the NBA Finals.
It’s clear Luka’s relationship with Dallas was soured by the franchise itself. Nonetheless, as Doncic returned to the American Airlines Center in Dallas for the first time, the guard was honored by his former franchise with a stirring tribute video. As the camera cut to Doncic, all we saw was a man openly weeping into his towel.
Luka wiping tears after watching Mavs tribute video 🥺 pic.twitter.com/9tYtzdW3A0
— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2025
Doncic never wanted to leave the Mavericks. Everyone confirms it, and it seems obvious in how Luka has acted since the trade. He was noticeably morose in his first press conference as a Laker and was ready to settle in Dallas with his young family before being forced to move.
LeBron came up to Luka to comfort him after the video was shown.
LeBron consoling Luka after his tribute video ❤️
(via @LADEig)pic.twitter.com/0KgpILQgSI
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 9, 2025
Everyone got a fresh reminder of how deeply this trade affected Doncic. Even a career rival like Trae Young was moved after seeing how Luka reacted to his tribute video, making it clear that Luka would’ve never left them if he had the choice.
“He was never gonna leave…”
He was never gonna leave… https://t.co/NSkva1tGy6
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 10, 2025
It seems like the NBA has gone mad since the Luka trade. While no other shocking player move has happened, but some of the most bizarre coach firings in NBA history have taken place since the Doncic trade. From Taylor Jenkins losing his job to former champion Michael Malone, there is no job security in the modern NBA.
When you look at players, Doncic is the best example. If you asked people the most untradable prospects in the NBA, everyone would likely name Luka second after Victor Wembanyama. The Mavericks willingly handed him over to the Lakers, and now the Lakers are reaping the rewards.
