Former Mavericks star Luka Doncic was ejected from the Lakers' game against Oklahoma City just one day before his emotional return to Dallas. (AP/Mark J. Terrill)
- Doncic was ejected after receiving a second technical foul while exchanging words with a fan during Lakers' loss to Thunder.
- The five-time All-Star expressed uncertainty about his emotions ahead of facing the Mavericks team he led to NBA Finals last season.
- LeBron James expects Dallas fans to give Doncic a standing ovation and believes winning would be the best solution for the emotional return.
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Luka Doncic didn’t wait for his much-anticipated return to Dallas to crank up the drama.
The night before he faces the franchise with which he spent his first 6 1/2 NBA seasons, he was ejected from the Los Angeles Lakers’ 136-120 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
Doncic scored 23 points before leaving the game in the fourth quarter after being called for his second technical foul with 7:40 remaining. He said he was talking trash back and forth with a fan, but the officials disagreed.
The Thunder outscored the Lakers 29-12 the rest of the way.
“I mean, it was tough,” Doncic said. “I mean, we were right there. I think we fought the whole game. … We came back in the third quarter. We were fighting, man. So it was tough to see that with this kind of situation to happen. And you know, that’s on me too, so I can’t let my team down like that.”
Emotional Return to Dallas
Now, Doncic can focus on the Mavericks — the team he led to the NBA Finals just last season after winning the scoring title. The five-time All-Star was among those who were shocked when he was traded for Anthony Davis on Feb. 2.
Though Doncic has bonded with his new teammates, he looks forward to being back in Dallas.
“Of course that’s going to be a lot of emotion for me,” he said. “Like, how do we 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 a very emotional for me, for sure.”
Doncic’s Impact With Lakers
Doncic is averaging 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 26 games with the Lakers. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is well aware of the damage the versatile guard can inflict.
“He’s playing incredible, but that’s Luka,” Kidd said. “Luka’s one of the best players in the world. You’ve got to be able to show different defenses, and that’s even hard. When you look at what he’s doing — he’s shooting the 3, he’s getting to the rim and to the free-throw line and he’s setting the table for his teammates. Our defense will be tested.”
Anticipated Reception
Lakers forward LeBron James, who has had a few returns throughout his career, said he expects Doncic to be received warmly.
“I think he’ll get a standing ovation and they’ll clap and cheer,” James said. “You’ll hear his name a lot. That’s what I’m expecting.”
James said the team is prepared to help Doncic work through the unusual circumstances.
“Whatever he needs,” James said. “I think winning will be the best solution.”
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