Trae Young Reacts to Luka Doncic's Tears Before Lakers-Mavericks

Luka Doncic made his highly anticipated return to the place he once called home on Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Dallas Mavericks.

It's already been two months since the Mavericks opted to trade their thought-to-be franchise cornerstone for Anthony Davis and other pieces.

Ahead of tip-off, the Mavericks welcomed Doncic back to American Airlines Center with nearly a three-minute tribute video before announcing his name in player introductions.

ESPN posted a video of Doncic, who was visibly emotional, watching the screen and wiping away tears. The moment caught the attention of Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, who reacted with a five-word message.

"He was never gonna leave," Young wrote.

Doncic spent six-and-a-half seasons with the Mavericks, and after the trade, he admitted in a heartfelt post that he never imagined himself playing anywhere else.

"I thought I'd spend my career here," he wrote.

Young’s message carries some irony. He and Doncic were traded for each other on draft night in 2018.

The Hawks, who had the third pick, selected Doncic, while the Mavericks took Young with the fifth pick. Later that evening, the two were swapped in a trade, with Atlanta also acquiring a 2019 first-round pick in the deal.

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Trae Young Reacts to Luka Doncic's Tears Before Lakers-Mavericks

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