Players on both the Mavericks and Lakers recognized the importance of the moment for Doncic, who moved to the United States as a teenager and grew up in Dallas. Anthony Davis even noted that Dallas "still loves him," which underlines the connection Doncic still has with the Dallas community.

Luka Doncic did not hold back against his former team in his return to Dallas on Wednesday night. The Los Angeles Lakers' 112-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks had the feeling of a special night before the ball was even tipped.

Luka Dončić gone. Anthony Davis injured in his debut. Kyrie Irving out for the season. Luka returns to Dallas. Here's a timeline of the Mavericks' miserable season.