Doncic opens up on being back in Dallas: “I know how this city gets”
The Los Angeles Lakers star returned to Dallas to take on his former team.
Luka Dončić made headlines again on Saturday night in Dallas, not just for his performance on the court but for the way he reflected on returning to the city where he made his name in the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard put up 33 points, added eight rebounds and 11 assists to lead his side to a dramatic 116-110 comeback win over his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. He was already in the headlines when his comments cemented his place there.
Nearly a year ago, the Mavericks sent Dončić to the Lakers in a truly earth-shattering trade that shook up the entire sport and divided the Dallas fan base. Saturday marked his second trip back to American Airlines Center as a visiting foe, and while this visit lacked the blockbuster impact of his first return, it was still filled with emotion.
An incredible night last night in Dallas was made possible by Luka Dončić and his amazing team.
— Luka Donkicks (@LukaDonkicks) January 25, 2026
In what I’m sure is an emotional trip back to Dallas, Dončić took time for every fan, took every picture, signed every autograph, all with a smile on his face.
Can’t say enough about… pic.twitter.com/6ziqDlrnHw
“Obviously this one’s a little bit different”
Dončić spoke warmly about the reception he received from the Dallas crowd, who greeted him with cheers and chants during the warm-up and again later in the game. “It’s a special place,” Doncic said of the city. “I mean, I’m always going to want to win no matter what. Every game I want to win, but obviously this one’s a little bit different.”
Reports say he visited his house in the area during the trip as well as his car collection that he didn’t take to LA, and he remarked that the reception he got from the people from where he once called home “was really special.”
“I didn’t know what to expect before,” he admitted, “because I know how this city gets when the weather is bad. I really appreciate a lot of people showing up.”
The game itself was a showcase of Dončić’s all-around ability. After Dallas built a seemingly comfortable lead, it was the Lakers who rallied late on, spearheaded by key plays from Dončić and his teammates. He was credited with several key defensive stops in the final minutes, a facet of his game that has drawn attention this season from everyone including his coach, who said his game was “fantastic”.
Mavs Fans will always have love for Luka Doncic pic.twitter.com/rE4l3RCuRo
— Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) January 25, 2026
Related stories
“Everybody had a great game,” Doncic reminded reporters afterwards. “The ball was shared. Fifteen shots up [by me], so [I] take JJ’s point.”
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment