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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic.

For the first time since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic is returning to Dallas to face the Mavericks. It figures to be an emotional night for the star guard and a lot of people will be watching.

The Mavericks were hoping to capitalize on the added attention. According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Dallas had sponsorship deals in the works before Doncic’s camp had to step in.

“The franchise plans to play a tribute video for Doncic, sources said, providing fans in the arena a final opportunity to savor all of his accomplishments in a Mavs uniform — and mourn not getting more,” McMahon wrote. “Team sources told ESPN that the Mavs had also lined up lucrative sponsorship deals for Wednesday’s game, with multiple companies that Doncic endorses, but those deals fell apart after Doncic’s camp declined to give its blessing, pointedly noting that he now plays for the Lakers.”

Not only did the Mavericks trade Doncic out of nowhere less than a year after he led them to the NBA Finals, but they also leaked a number of stories about how the guard didn’t have a great work ethic. It’s perplexing why they’d think Doncic would want to work with them in any capacity.

Doncic will finally have his chance at revenge during Wednesday’s game.

Doncic Defends Work Ethic

There’s been talk about Doncic’s work ethic even before he was traded. His weight has been known to fluctuate a bit but it’s difficult to be an All-NBA player without working hard.

Doncic pushed back against the narrative that he doesn’t take basketball that seriously.

“They have no idea,” Doncic told The Los Angeles Times of the people questioning his work ethic. “… I didn’t end up here by mistake. You know? I worked my (expletive) off to be here. So it’s kinda, I would say disrespectful, just sad that people say that.”

There are very few players in basketball history who are as naturally gifted as Doncic. He’s still young enough to where he can get away with not working as hard away from the court but he’ll age quickly if the rumors are true.

Doncic Doesn’t Know What to Expect From Dallas Return

Doncic has already faced the Mavericks once since being traded but that was in Los Angeles. It’ll be much different for him being back in Dallas.

This is likely to be one of the most-watched games of the NBA regular season and Doncic was honest about his feelings heading into the matchup.

“There’s going to be a lot of emotion for me,” Doncic said. “I don’t really know what to expect. I don’t know how I’m going to feel, honestly. I’m looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates — ex-teammates. It’s going to be very emotional for me, for sure.”

It’s difficult to know what to expect from Doncic. Sometimes there’s too much pressure on these games and players underperform. The Lakers need a win in this spot if they hope to hold onto the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference so there’s pressure on the entire team.