Mavericks Honor Luka Dončić in Emotional Return
DALLAS – The Dallas Mavericks are set to pay homage to their former star, Luka Dončić, during his much-anticipated return to the American Airlines Center (AAC). This marks Dončić’s first appearance at the AAC following his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, making it a significant night for fans and the franchise alike.
A Tribute to Luka
In a show of appreciation, the Mavericks have adorned the AAC with white T-shirts featuring the phrase “Hvala za vse”, which translates to “Thank you for everything” in Slovenian. This gesture highlights the deep connection the fans and the team share with Dončić.
Moreover, the Mavericks took to Instagram to showcase a heartfelt tribute collage, featuring memorable snapshots of Dončić’s journey in Dallas.
The Historic Trade
The blockbuster trade involving Dončić was announced on February 1, sending shockwaves throughout the sports community. The Mavericks exchanged Dončić, along with teammates Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to the Lakers in return for Anthony Davis, rookie Max Christie, and a first-round draft pick in 2029. This unexpected move generated a mix of emotions among the Mavericks’ fan base, highlighted by a mock funeral held outside the arena, complete with a casket.
Previous Matchup Recap
Prior to this upcoming matchup, the Mavericks and Lakers squared off in Los Angeles, where the Lakers secured a 107-99 victory. That game marked Dončić’s first opportunity to compete against his former teammates.
Ticket Prices for the Matchup
Given the high stakes and emotional narratives surrounding this game, ticket prices have surged. On many resale platforms, tickets are listed as high as $6,869, while Ticketmaster lists prices ranging from $240 to over $2,300. For context, tickets for the Mavericks’ following home game against the Toronto Raptors start at a mere $25.
Viewing Information
Game Details
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Date: Wednesday, April 9
- Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
- Television: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+
Will Dončić Play?
There are concerns that the Lakers might choose to rest Dončić, especially considering they will have played back-to-back games. He logged 31 minutes in their previous contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which resulted in a 136-120 defeat. Dončić was ejected in that game after disputing a call with over seven minutes left to play. However, according to Mavericks broadcaster Chuck Cooperstein, he doubts that the Lakers would allow him to sit out this highly-anticipated game.
The Source: Information in this article is drawn from the social media accounts of the Mavericks.