LeBron James says the Los Angeles Lakers will have Luka Doncic’s back when the Slovenian makes his first return to Dallas tonight.
Doncic joined the Lakers from the Mavericks on February 2 in a blockbuster trade that saw Anthony Davis and Max Christie head in the opposite direction.
The 26-year-old has had a positive impact on the Lakers and James says it is time the team gave him something back should Doncic not receive the warm welcome most expect.
No-look hook & the squad has nine triples in the first quarter 💦 pic.twitter.com/4dUnmeQtiS
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 9, 2025
“I think it’s very important,” James said. “I mean, it’s camaraderie. It’s holding each other down whenever we face anything. And I think tomorrow’s going to be a lot of emotions going through Luka, both the interior and then exterior. And it’s our job just to do our job. If we do our job on the floor, then we’ll help him tremendously.”
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Doncic ready for emotional return
Doncic’s departure from Dallas prompted waves of protests from supporters and the ill feeling towards the team’s front office continues.
The man himself accepts it’s going to be a tough game for him to deal with.
He said: “There’s going to be a lot of emotion for me. I don’t really know what to expect. I don’t know how 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.”
Doncic ejected after referee claims trash-talk was aimed at him
Doncic will head to Dallas after a strange night in Oklahoma City that saw him ejected in the fourth quarter. The guard insisted he was trash-talking with a courtside fan after making a shot but referee JT Orr thought the profanity was aimed at him and handed him a second technical foul of the night with 7:40 remaining.
“That had nothing to do with the ref,” Doncic said, “so, I didn’t really understand.”
The Thunder capitalised and a 29-12 run to end the game saw them win 136-120.
Unhappy Lakers coach JJ Redick said: “It was a great game that unfortunately didn’t get to finish out the way that I think every basketball fan would want because of some decision-making on some individuals’ parts.”
