Lakers' Luka Doncic After Win vs. Mavs, 'I Love This City, But It's Time to Move On'

Luka Dončić has his closure.

The Los Angeles Lakers started Wednesday night getting emotional while watching the Dallas Mavericks' tribute video to him in his first return to the city since the organization shockingly traded him. He ended the night with 45 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a 112-97 win that clinched a guaranteed playoff spot for the Lakers.

After the game, Dončić indicated that he's fully embraced this next chapter in his basketball career.

"Everybody saw me, the way I reacted to the video," he said on ESPN's broadcast. "All these fans, I really appreciate it, man. All the teammates I had, everybody had my back. I'm just happy. You know, I love these fans, I love this city, but it's time to move on."

It was clear, seeing Dončić's reaction to the Mavericks' tribute video, that he never wanted to leave Dallas. It was just as clear, hearing the Mavs' fans cheer him throughout the game, that the team's supporters never wanted to see him go.

General manager Nico Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont had other ideas. Time will tell if those ideas were wise. But Dončić certainly gave them a taste of what they let go on Wednesday.