For Luka Doncic, the pain of being traded by his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, to the Los Angeles Lakers still lingers. That emotion resurfaces this Wednesday, October 15, as the two teams meet in Las Vegas for an NBA preseason matchup.
For the Slovenian star, the game will carry mixed emotions. He’ll be facing the team that drafted him and gave him his first opportunity in the league. During his pregame press conference, Doncic spoke candidly about how he feels ahead of facing his old teammates.
It’s obviously going to be something (facing the Mavs). Obviously, I’m going to feel something every game I play against them.
And although he now proudly wears the Lakers’ purple and gold, Doncic admitted he hasn’t forgotten the bond he still feels with his first NBA team, saying there will “always be something” there.
I am kind of starting a new chapter here (in LA) this preseason. But again, there is always going to be something. I don’t know how I feel.
Luka Doncic was the trade of the decade
In February of this year, the shocking trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis became perhaps the most stunning move of the decade. Nobody saw it coming, and perhaps that’s why the guard, now a Laker, continues to feel deep emotions toward his former team.
Though the trade was painful, Doncic handled the transition like a consummate professional. When he first faced the Mavericks back in February, he delivered an impressive performance, recording a double-double with 19 points and 12 assists. Later, in his return to Dallas, he erupted for 45 points, showing the city that drafted him that his brilliance hadn’t faded.
Now, as the Lakers and Mavericks prepare to clash in Las Vegas, fans are eagerly anticipating another standout performance from their new superstar. Doncic scored 25 points in his previous preseason outing, and expectations are soaring for another dazzling display from the 26-year-old.
Luka Doncic’s best moments in Dallas
During his time with the Mavericks, Doncic became one of the league’s most captivating players. He was selected to five All-Star Games, reached two Western Conference Finals, and led Dallas to the NBA Finals.
Reflecting on his most memorable moments with the franchise, Doncic shared some highlights during his appearance on the Hot Ones podcast.
Probably that Western Conference Finals game-winner, the three against Minnesota, I think that one was one of my favorites. And the Clippers, I think it was 2020 in the bubble, that game-winner, too. It was my first playoff series, so I would say those two.
Now, fate has brought him to a new chapter in Los Angeles, where he hopes to continue leaving his mark on the league. Still, Doncic makes no secret that a part of him remains tied to Dallas, a place where his NBA dreams first came true and where, deep down, he believes he still had much more to give.
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