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Reading: Luka Doncic Breaks Down In Tears As Mavericks Present Emotional Tribute Video In His First Game Back
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis > Luka Doncic Breaks Down In Tears As Mavericks Present Emotional Tribute Video In His First Game Back

Luka Doncic Breaks Down In Tears As Mavericks Present Emotional Tribute Video In His First Game Back

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic couldn't help but cry as the Dallas Mavericks gave him a tribute video in his first game back in Dallas.

Ishaan Bhattacharya
Apr 10, 2025
3 Min Read
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Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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.

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TAGGED:Dallas Mavericks ArchiveLos Angeles Lakers ArchiveLuka Doncic
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ByIshaan Bhattacharya
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Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
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