Luka Doncic breaks his silence on his trade ahead of the reunion with his former team the Mavericks

Luka Doncic is preparing for a very special matchup: facing his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, for the third time as the Lakers visit Las Vegas this Wednesday.

Although the guard is enjoying his new chapter in Los Angeles, he admitted that games against his former team will always be emotionally charged.

During a press conference, Luka Doncic was clear about what it means to face the Mavericks again: “Obviously, it’s going to be something. Obviously, I’m going to feel something in every game I play against them,” he said.

These statements reveal that, despite his professionalism and focus on the games, the trade still leaves a mark on the Slovenian star.

Luka Doncic: Emotions and professionalism in the return to Dallas

Luka Doncic acknowledged that his move to the Lakers represents a new chapter in his career: “I’m starting a new chapter here in Los Angeles this preseason. But, again, there will always be something. I don’t know how I feel,” he added.

The trade, which involved Anthony Davis and was considered one of the most impactful moves of the last decade. Has not erased the emotional ties he maintains with the team that gave him his NBA opportunity.

Despite his feelings, Doncic has demonstrated a high level of professionalism in his previous matchups with Dallas.

Luka Doncic on seeing Dallas on the Lakers’ preseason schedule tomorrow: “I mean, it’s obviously going to be something. Obviously I’m going to feel something every game I play against them. I am kind of starting a new chapter here … but … it’s always going to be something” pic.twitter.com/FGioUQZ8XU

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 15, 2025

In his first game after the trade, he scored 19 points and recorded 12 assists. Followed by an impressive 45-point performance in the next matchup.

His latest preseason game against the Suns, with 25 points, promises fans another standout performance this Wednesday.

Luka Doncic best moments with the Mavericks

Luka Doncic time with the Dallas Mavericks was filled with memorable milestones. During his tenure with the team, he participated in five All-Star Games and led the franchise to two Western Conference Finals and one NBA Finals.

In a recent appearance on the show “Hot Ones,” he recalled his most memorable moments. “Probably that game-winning shot in the Western Conference Finals, the three against Minnesota, was one of my favorites. And against the Clippers in 2020, in the bubble, that was very special too. It was my first playoff series.”

Despite his bitter exit, Luka Doncic continues to show gratitude toward the Mavericks. Publicly acknowledging the impact the team had on his professional and personal growth.