It was a fun night inside a very frozen American Airlines Center in Dallas. Although the visiting Los Angeles Lakers were able to pull out a 116-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks, the Dallas fans were once again able to welcome one of their own back home. Luka Doncic returned to Dallas as a visitor for the second time. And while the scene was not nearly as emotionally charged as the first time around (Nico Harrison was not in attendance as far as we know. We definitely know he is no longer employed by the Dallas Mavericks), it’s special when 77 comes to town these days.

It’s clear that it’s special to Doncic, too. For that, let’s open up the quote board.

LUKA DONCICOn the emotions of returning to Dallas again

I mean, obviously there’s always going to be emotions. I was happy to be back here, back to my house, my cars, so obviously it’s always going to be emotional. I appreciate how [the fans] cheered for me when I was introduced. It’s always going to be a special place for me. 

On Dallas feeling like home

I was here seven years, you know. A lot of things happened, bad and good. I kind of describe it how when I went to Madrid when I was 13, every time I came back to Slovenia I feel good. That’s why it’s always going to be a special place for me.

On what makes coming to Dallas special

Like I always say, it’s a special place. I’m always going to want to win, every game I want to win, but obviously this one’s different. But again, I want to win every game.

On the difference of emotions from April 9th to January 24th games

Oh there’s still emotions, trust me, but a little bit better, a little bit easier for me. Like I said before, how the fans accept me here, it’s unbelievable. I still got a lot of friends here, players, some other people, so I’m happy to be back for a little bit.

On walking towards the Mavericks locker room at halftime

I didn’t see that (laughing)

On the fans turning out to see him amidst a winter storm

It was really special. I didn’t know what to expect before, I know how the city gets when the weather gets this bad, but I really appreciate a lot of people showing up.

On buying a suite for fans and having a meet and greet pregame

Dallas will always be special to Luka 🥹

Almost a year after the trade to LA, Luka surprised 22 fans who supported him on social media with a suite for Lakers–Mavs, a pregame meet & greet, and gift bags with Luka Lakers jerseys and his signature shoe. pic.twitter.com/hdznSXx5bv

— ESPN (@espn) January 25, 2026

Yeah, that was something that was special for me to do. I see what a lot of them did on social media, and after when I got traded how much support they gave me. Obviously, there’s a lot more fans than [what could fill up a suite], but I could only fit 22 of them.

It’s clear that Doncic will always love coming back home to Dallas. Hey, you never know, maybe one day he might just…

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