Luka Doncic scored 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles, helping the Lakers wrap up a playoff spot with a 112-97 victory over the Mavericks on Wednesday night.

It was real. Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Laker s in a move that shook the league, set the Lakers up to contend this season and for the foreseeable future, and angered the Mavericks fan base to the point some fans held a mock funeral — complete with a casket — outside the arena.

Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on as the Dallas Mavericks play a tribute video for Doncic before the game against the Lakers at t

Before the game, Mavs coach Jason Kidd said some had compared the trading of Dončić to “Babe Ruth, which is kind of cool.”

Luka Dončić returned to Dallas Wednesday night for the first time since he was traded by the Mavericks to the Lakers, and he was emotional.

Follow live as Luka Dončić returns to face the Mavericks for the first time since Dallas traded him to the Lakers two months ago.

Emotions flowed freely for the 26-year-old superstar, and with his Lakers teammates by his side, he got what he needed: closure.

In a league where players are quick to demand trades, form super teams or go to the highest bidder, Luka Doncic's love for Dallas stands out.

Luka Doncic somehow spins in a difficult layup to reach 40 points for the Lakers vs. the Mavericks. ESPN BET Sportsbook is owned and operated by PENN Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries ('PENN').