Luka Doncic weeps as Mavericks play tribute video on Dallas return after bombshell Lakers trade

Emotions got the better of Luka Doncic at the beginning of his hugely anticipated return to the Dallas Mavericks as a Laker – before he showed his old team exactly what they are missing.

Doncic scored a stunning 31 points by halftime, with his Lakers team leading the Mavs by three with a 60-57 scoreline at the interval.

Doncic was traded to Los Angeles in February, joining forces with LeBron James in a move that sent shockwaves across the sporting world in the United States.

At the time, he as recovering from a calf issue and hadn’t played for his team for a number of weeks before his abrupt departure.

It meant that Wednesday night’s game was a chance for the Mavericks organization and fanbase to show their support to the NBA great.

Before the start of the game on Wednesday, the Mavs played a tribute video to Doncic that chronicled his time with the team from NBA draft day to his last game.

Sat in Lakers uniform, the Slovenian appeared to tear up at the footage and at one stage buried his head in his towel.

The Mavericks fan gave him a huge cheer as he warmed up on the court before the game, as well as when his name was announced as part of the Lakers lineup.

It is the first Doncic has been back in the city of Dallas since being traded by the team he had played for since the age of 19.