ESPN Broadcaster Reveals Jason Kidd’s Backfired Plan as Teary Luka Doncic Responds to Mavs Betrayal

Jason Kidd isn’t there to tell Mavericks fans how to feel—but he definitely gets it.

Luka Doncic gave Dallas six unforgettable years. So when he walks back into the American Airlines Center in a Lakers jersey, Kidd knows exactly what kind of reaction is coming. “There’s no doubt that (the fans) have that right, and they should cheer for him. He’s one that has entertained since his rookie year. I think it’s safe to say that they should cheer. But for u,s it’s about trying to find a way to win.”

But the Mavs head coach’s strategy to win didn’t work. At some point during the game, as Luka kept torching the Mavs, Lisa Salters caught up with Coach Kidd to get his thoughts on the obvious. She asked the Mavericks coach what it was like watching his former star go off in real time.

Kidd’s reply? “He’s kind of playing alright.”

By then, Doncic had already stacked 38 points, hitting 13-of-22 shots, including 6-of-9 from deep. He had 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in just 31 minutes. Alright? Sure.

Kidd wasn’t ready to wave the white flag just yet. “He’s got to do that for the entire game,” he said. Then added, “We’re not happy with the amount of threes he’s been able to get. We’ve got to change that. We need to force him into layups. He’s got to play the whole floor. If we can eliminate the threes, we’ll be in good shape.”

Spoiler: They weren’t.

By the end of the night, Doncic had torched his old squad for 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, hitting 7-of-10 from downtown. He added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in 38 minutes, leading the Lakers to a 112-97 win at the AAC.

Even Lisa couldn’t help but laugh. “I actually said something a little different to Coach Kidd—but nothing I can say on air,” she joked. Kidd wanted Luka to play the whole floor. Luka gave him the whole show. But, before any whistles blew, before a single possession played out, the emotions already started pouring in.

As the lights dimmed at the American Airlines Center, a tribute video flashed across the screen. And when the 5x All-Star’s journey with Dallas lit up the jumbotron, it hit him hard. You could see it in his face—he wasn’t holding back. The man who used to own this court got teary-eyed, right there on the sideline.

That was just the beginning. As the night unfolded, it wasn’t just about basketball. It was personal—especially for Luka.

This is what JJ Redick said to Luka Doncic before the Mavs game

Two months ago, the Mavericks blindsided Luka Doncic with a trade. No heads-up, no goodbye—just like that, he was a Laker. So yeah, walking back into the American Airlines Center Wednesday night wasn’t just another road trip. It hit different.

Doncic had always pictured himself finishing his career in Dallas. Instead, he showed up in enemy colors, stepping into the arena he once called home. But this time, the Lakers had his back. Before tip-off, head coach JJ Redick pulled him aside and kept it real.

“We got your back,” he told Luka via The Athletic. That kind of loyalty? It meant everything—especially after the way things ended. And of course, let’s not sugarcoat it.

The Mavericks didn’t just trade their franchise player. They allegedly questioned his shape, his focus—his work ethic. That stuff stings! Luka clapped back fast: “I didn’t end up here by mistake. You know? I worked my a– off to be here.” You could hear the frustration in his voice. He wasn’t just talking to reporters—he was talking to Dallas.

Sure, from the outside, it looked like he’d moved on. But this game? It was personal. Closure. Maybe revenge. And Luka didn’t waste a second making his point—those 45 points were pretty much a slap in the face. The Lakers, for their part, walked out with a 112-97 win. For the ‘Big D’? The ultimate reply—one Dallas won’t forget anytime soon.