“‘Mavericks Will Always Be My Home’: Luka Dončić Admits He Nearly Didn’t Play After Heartfelt Tribute in Emotional Return to Dallas — Opens Up About Tears, Shaking, and the Fans’ ‘Fire Nico’ Chant”

“‘Mavericks Will Always Be My Home’: Luka Dončić Admits He Nearly Didn’t Play After Heartfelt Tribute in Emotional Return to Dallas — Opens Up About Tears, Shaking, and the Fans’ ‘Fire Nico’ Chant”

Luka Dončić’s return to Dallas was always going to be emotional — but no one expected just how raw and vulnerable the former Mavericks star would be. In a post-game interview that left fans and media stunned, Dončić admitted he was on the verge of not playing after seeing the tribute video that Mavericks fans had created in his honor.

“I was literally shaking,” Luka said. “I was crying in the tunnel. I didn’t think I could walk out there and play.”

As the lights dimmed in the American Airlines Center and the jumbotron lit up with memories of Luka’s magical years in Dallas — from the buzzer-beaters, to the triple-doubles, to the joyful smile he flashed after every game-winning shot — the crowd rose to its feet, many in tears themselves. The tribute was more than a video; it was a love letter.

“The moment that video ended, I felt something I can’t even describe. It was like my whole career flashed before me in one minute. Dallas is not just the city I started in — it’s where I grew up, where I became who I am. The Mavericks will always be my home, before anywhere else, no matter where I play.”

Dončić, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, received a thunderous ovation as he stepped onto the court — a moment that was soon followed by a surprising chant echoing through the crowd: “Fire Nico! Fire Nico!”

The chant, aimed at Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, reflected the frustration among some fans who believed the franchise mishandled Dončić’s tenure and ultimately pushed him out.

When asked about the chant, Luka didn’t dodge the question. Instead, he gave a pointed reply that further fueled speculation about his departure.

“I hope they do,” Dončić said without hesitation. “I’m not going to go into details, but people know. The fans know. I’ll always love them for standing by me.”

Though he scored 28 points and led the Lakers to a win, Luka’s night wasn’t about numbers. It was about closure, reflection, and gratitude. Even as an opponent, he stood at center court post-game and looked up at the rafters — a silent nod to a place he once called home, and always will.

“Dallas gave me everything. No matter what jersey I wear, this city is part of me forever.”

Whether or not the Mavericks organization will respond to Dončić’s comments or the fans’ chants remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Luka’s bond with Dallas is unshakable — even if the front office wasn’t.