Luka Doncic was in inspired form in his first game at Dallas since being traded to the Lakers, scoring six of eight baskets from beyond the arc and finishing with 45 points as the Los Angeles franchise scored a 112-97 win over the Mavericks.
Doncic was left in tears in pre-match while a video tribute to him was aired, and received a rousing reception from the crowd at the American Airlines Center throughout the game before fouling out in the closing minutes and getting a standing ovation with ‘Luka!’ chants from an arena he was once called home.
The Lakers star complemented his points total with eight rebounds and six assists in a keenly contested match, as the Lakers held off the Mavs in the fourth quarter to claim the win and clinch a play-off spot as Golden State Warriors fell to a surprise loss to San Antonio Spurs.
After taking down the Mavs, Lakers need just a win from their final three games to seal the third seed spot in the West and with it, home court advantage in Round One of the play-offs.
Check out highlights of the match here.