“Closure is going to take a while, I think.” It was clear that Luka Doncic was still feeling raw over the Mavs trading him. It was the first time he stepped foot at the American Airlines center, where he wasn’t a Maverick for the first time! The record has been 19-12 in the Lakers’ favor since the 26-year-old switched sides. But the task is still not over, and Luka wants the Magic to continue for some more time.

“Yeah, uh like I said you know it’s going to be hard, hard to stop us. But it’s not just me and LeBron, you know we have a great team around us. Everybody helps us in so many ways. So if we want to win the championship, it’s going to take all of us.” The Lakers #77 made it clear about the title ambition and also shared the spotlight on other players. Even in the recent win over the Rockets, Doncic and James combined for 53 points in 53 minutes. But it’s not been easy for the Slovenian.

The victory helped the Lakers solidify to 31-10 at home, posting the third-best home record in the league. However, it was Luka Doncic who had to find a different home this mid-season and now gears up for the playoffs. “Yeah, it’s been a roller coaster, uh, but you know my emotions I deal with by playing basketball. It’s the thing I love uh and going to the playoffs, you know um, trying to win every game, that’s it.”

It’s the first time that the Lakers open the playoffs with a home game since 2010-11, Phil Jackson’s last season as coach. Interestingly, while speaking to the media, Doncic also stated that this is the first time he’ll have home-court advantage in a playoff series. Maybe the stars are aligned for them to win the championship.

Luka Doncic overcame his emotions to deliver in Dallas

31 points by halftime and 45 points overall and received a rousing standing ovation from Mavericks fans before the game and at the end. Before tip-off, a video rolled on the jumbotron—highlighting Luka’s best moments in a Mavs jersey. From that unforgettable 2018 draft night to his dagger threes in the playoffs, it was all there. Even Luka Doncic was wondering how and why it ended, and controlling tears sitting alone watching the tribute.

He said, “I don’t know how I did it because when I was watching that video, I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.’ But, you know, all my teammates had my back. They were really supporting me.” That’s why on the night he scored the game high 45 points with 16-for-28 from the field and 7-for-10 from three-point range. It was not just scoring for 5x All-Star, as he contributed with eight rebounds and six assists in the Lakers’ win on Wednesday night. But after the performance, he knew to close that chapter in his life.

That’s why Luka stated, “I love these fans, I love this city. But it’s time to move on,” during his sideline interview with ESPN. Up next for the Purple and Gold team are the Warriors or the Wolves, or the Nuggets, who all have a chance to secure the No. 6 seed in the West. Let’s not forget that the Lakers have the No. 1 all-time playoff total points scorer in James. Plus, they also have the No. 2 player in playoff scoring average in Doncic.