Anthony Davis Believes Luka Doncic’s Reunion in Dallas Will Be More Emotional Than His Own

Dallas Mavericks Power Forward Anthony Davis believes Los Angeles Lakers Point Guard Luka Doncic’s reunion in Dallas will be more emotional than his own. Davis, 32, recently talked about his reunion with his former team, the Lakers, but leaned towards a very emotional return when his former teammate, Doncic, 26, will travel to downtown Dallas to take on the Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Here’s why.

Anthony Davis’ Belief

Anthony Davis is one of the most popular players in the NBA, but this time, Davis and Luka Doncic have been adjusting to their new teams and surroundings. Davis and the Mavericks will welcome Doncic and the Lakers to Dallas on Wednesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. Central. The Mavericks vs. Lakers matchup hasn’t always been highly anticipated in recent years, but all eyes will be on these two teams soon.

In a recent interview with Andscape’s Marc Spears, Davis was asked about the Mavericks vs. Lakers matchup. Davis responded, “No, we got games. But it’s actually going to be more [emotional] because Luka Doncic is coming back. So, it’s going to be a tougher game. But no, I haven’t, man. Obviously, it’s on the schedule, but I’m just trying to take it one game at a time, coming back from injury, getting into a rhythm, and getting back to where I was.”

Part Two of Anthony Davis’ Belief

Anthony Davis didn’t stop there when speaking to Andscape’s Marc Spears. Davis told Spears, “But I’m not worried about it yet. As it gets closer to April 9, my ex-Lakers teammates will hit me up, like, ‘Let us come to the house, let’s hang.’ But I don’t even have a house out there anymore.” Davis signals that he acknowledges the emotions regarding Luka Doncic’s return but believes Doncic in Dallas will be of greater significance.

Part Three of Anthony Davis’ Belief

In an interview with Andscape’s Marc Spears, Anthony Davis stated, “Obviously, it will be an emotional game, the first time playing against them [in Los Angeles] next season. But who knows what happens in the playoffs or the play-ins. I think my first game back in L.A., actually playing, would be a little bit more emotional for me.”

Davis continued to speak with Spears, “But I know April 9 will be an emotional night because Luka [Doncic] is coming back, and everybody in Dallas still loves him. It’ll be good to see Dallas give him a tribute and everything he deserves, just like L.A. did for me when I was there [injured during the Tuesday, February 25 game].” Davis’ stint in Dallas hasn’t been smooth sailing, but Davis can shine in Dallas when healthy.

Anthony Davis’ arrival in Dallas attracted ample attention and mixed emotions, but it’s important to note injuries have been affecting the 2024-25 Mavericks team. This year’s Mavericks took a turn for the worse when Kyrie Irving tore the ACL in his left knee on Monday, March 3. Davis said the injuries haven’t stopped with Irving and praised him and his other injured teammates for getting treatment around the clock and doing everything they can.