Luka Dončić did not wait for her highly anticipated return to Dallas to increase the drama.
At night before, he faces the franchise with which he spent his first six seasons of the NBA and a half, he was ejected from the 136-120 defeat of the Los Angeles Lakers against the Thunder of Oklahoma City.
Dončić scored 23 points on Tuesday evening before his ejection. He said he was talking about waste back and forth with a fan, but those responsible thought he was running abuses in a referee and that he was ejected after picking up a second technical fault.
“If (the fan will) speak, I’m going to talk, as always,” said Dončić. “It had nothing to do with the reference. So I didn’t really understand.”
The crew chief Tony Brothers said that Dončić had “examined an official functioning directly and used a vulgar language”.
The fan in question, Jeremy Price, told ESPN that he thought that Dončić told him rather than a referee. “During the match in the match, I mentioned that he was short (on his shot) and he missed him, and he turned around and he pulled an explanatory back and (the referee) was seen and, at that time, he said,” said Price.
The ejection affected the trajectory of the game. The Thunder has outlined the Lakers 29-12 the rest of the path.
“I mean, it was difficult,” said Dončić. “I mean, we were there. I think we fought the whole match.
Now Dončić can focus on the Mavericks – the team he led to the NBA final last season after winning the score title. The Quintuple All-Star was among those who were shocked when he was exchanged for Anthony Davis in February.
Although Dončić says he got linked to his new teammates, he can’t wait to return to Dallas.
“Of course, it’s going to be a lot of emotion for me,” he said. “Like, how do we know what to expect? I don’t know how I’m going to feel, honestly. I can’t wait to be back in Dallas. Obviously, with fans, seeing my teammates – former teammates – it’s going to be very moving for me, that’s for sure.”
Dončić has an average of 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 26 games with the Lakers. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is aware of the damage that the versatile guard can inflict.
“He plays incredible, but it’s Luka,” said Kidd. “Luka is one of the best players in the world. You have to be able to show different defenses, and it’s even difficult. When you look at what he does – he pulls the 3, he arrives at the edge and the free launch line and he puts the table for his teammates. Our defense will be tested.”
LeBron James, who had some feedback throughout his career, said he expects Dončić to be warmly received.
“I think he will have a standing ovation and they will applaud and applaud,” said James. “You will hear his name a lot. This is what I’m waiting for.”
James said the team was ready to help Dončić working in unusual circumstances.
“Everything he needs,” said James. “I think winning will be the best solution.”
