“Always going to be something”: Luka Doncic admits he will never get over Mavericks trade ahead of third game against former team

Luka Doncic will face off against his former team for the third time as the LA Lakers prepare to clash against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Despite the guard embracing his new chapter in LA, he admitted to having mixed emotions about facing the franchise where his NBA journey began.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Doncic opened up on his feelings about facing the Mavericks, admitting there is "always going to be something" when playing against his former team

"It's obviously going to be something (facing the Mavs). Obviously, I'm going to feel something every game I play against them," Doncic expressed.

Continuing to address his emotions over the reunion, Doncic acknowledged his fresh start in LA but expressed he would always have "something" for the Mavs.

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"I am kind of starting a new chapter here (in LA) this preseason. But again there is always going to be something. I don't know how I feel," he continued.

Doncic's mixed feelings towards his former team revealed how he is still struggling to overcome the trade. The Slovenian was traded by Dallas to the Lakers for Anthony Davis in February in what was one of the biggest deals of this decade. However, the guard seems to hold a soft corner for the team that provided him with an opportunity in the NBA.

Despite the emotional ties, Doncic has maintained a professional approach in his previous meetings with the Mavericks. In their first matchup back in February, he notched a double-double with 19 points and 12 assists and followed it up with a 45-point performance on his return to Dallas.

After scoring 25 points in his last preseason game against the Suns, fans can expect another great performance from him on Wednesday.

Luka Doncic highlights his best moment during his time with the Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic's time with the Dallas Mavericks was a memorable one, earning multiple accolades with the team. The guard made five All-Star appearances during this stint and led the team to two Western Conference finals and an NBA Finals.

During an appearance on the popular show "Hot Ones" earlier this month, Doncic looked back on his time with the Mavericks and highlighted his best moment with the franchise.

"Probably that Western Conference Finals game-winner, the three against Minnesota, I think that one was one of my favorites. And the Clippers, I think it was 2020 in the bubble, that game-winner, too. It was my first playoff series, so I would say those two," Doncic expressed.

Despite his sour exit, the guard remains fond of his time with the organization and continues to show love when given an opportunity.

Edited by Arian Kashyap