Luka Dončić put up one of the most historic performances a returning player has ever produced in his emotional return to Dallas where he began his NBA career. Having scored 45 points, the Slovenian led the Los Angeles Lakers to a major victory.

The Lakers won 112:97 on a night full of emotions to clinch a Top 6 playoff spot. Currently, they are holding on to third spot in the Western Conference, and they have two more games to play in regular season.

In addition to 45 points, Dončić posted eight rebounds, six assists and four steals on 9 April in his first game in the American Airlines Center as a visiting player after the Mavericks traded him to the Lakers out of nowhere in early February.

The 26-year-old matched a season-high scoring output, becoming just the second-ever player in NBA history to score 45 points both for and against the same team in a single season. The other player to have done that was the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.

Dončić dominated the first half with 31 points, while his teammate LeBron James had 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, helping him cement the team's victory.

The Slovenian spent six years and a half with Dallas and averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists during that time. Since the trade his form has been improving and his numbers as a Laker are close to those associated with him.

Game full of emotions

Upset that he is gone, Dallas fans welcomed him with standing ovations and Luka chants. Together with Lakers fans they cheered his every move, but they also vented their anger towards the Dallas front office over their decision to trade Dončić, chanting "fire Nico" multiple times during the game.

The chant was directed at Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who was in attendance. He spearheaded the blockbuster deal and has since faced the ire of Dallas fans.

Before the game the Mavs played a tribute video for Dončić, who teared up watching it but managed to compose himself to go and play.

To mark his return, the Mavs also handed out T-shirts that read "hvala za vse", which is Slovenian for "thank you for everything".

The gifts were on every seat in the arena in what brought to mind the Lakers decision to lay out Luka T-shirts across the fans' seats at his first game with his new team.

In his first statement after the game, Dončić said he appreciated all the fans and his teammates having his back. "I love these fans, I love this city, but it's time to move on."

He recalled he was basically still a kid when he arrived in Dallas. "They made me feel like home. There are a lot of great, great memories."

The tribute sparked many emotions and asked how he was able to perform the way he did and not let these emotions overwhelm him, Dončić said: "I don't know how I did it because when I was watching that video I was like 'there's no way I'm playing this game'." But he went on to point out that his teammates' support was crucial.

His dad, Saša Dončić, was there to cheer him on as were a number of celebrities, including NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, a long-time supporter of Dončić, and Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, who also attended the Slovenian's first game as a Laker.