Wednesday’s matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers marked Dončić’s first game in Dallas since being traded away on Feb. 2 in a blockbuster deal that landed Anthony Davis in Dallas. Ahead of the matchup, the Mavericks honored Dončić with a video tribute that brought the five-time All-Star to tears.
Dončić’s eyes grew glossy as he tried to keep his composure during the tribute. He repeatedly wiped his eyes with a towel and had to look away from the jumbotron at one point as he was overcome by emotion.
The ESPN broadcast showed Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki applauding in the crowd. Following the video, Dončić shared an embrace with Markieff Morris, who was also traded from Dallas to Los Angeles. Dončić hugged the rest of his Lakers teammates, including LeBron James, before the Lakers huddled together ahead of tipoff.
Dončić predicted his return would be emotional for him.
“Of course it’s going to be a lot of emotion for me. I really don’t know what to expect,’ Dončić told reporters Tuesday night following the Lakers’ 126-99 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. ‘I don’t know what I’m going to feel, honestly. I’m looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates — ex-teammates. It’s going to be very emotional for me, for sure.’
When the game tipped off, Dallas fans showcased their enduring love for Dončić and cheered every time he touched the ball. On the other side of the spectrum, the Mavericks fanbase also chanted ‘Fire Nico,’ referring to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who brokered the blockbuster trade. Harrison was spotted watching the beginning of the game from the tunnel instead of a seat.
Earlier Wednesday, a protest mural that features a navy Mavericks hat with a piece of duct tape over the logo that reads, ‘FIRE NICO,’ popped up in downtown Dallas ahead of Dončić’s return.
This story was updated with new information.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.