DALLAS — Luka Doncic is set to make his return to Dallas on Wednesday in the Los Angeles Lakers-Dallas Mavericks clash. The previous trade saw Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis headline one of the most shocking deals in the history of the league. While Davis is treating Wednesday's matchup like “just another game,” Jason Kidd said fans “shoulder cheer” for Doncic in his return to the American Airlines Center.

“Understanding the emotion for his (Doncic) return, I think it's just about the game. He scores, take the ball out and go the other way,” Kidd told reporters on Tuesday following the Mavericks' practice. “Fans have a right to cheer. Understanding what he has done for this franchise in a short time and I think that's right. The big thing for us is to stay in the moment, focus on what's in front of us… Just play the game. Understanding there is going to be a lot of emotions and a lot of cheers. Also, the Lakers travel well.

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“I'm just saying that the Lakers do travel well. I've been with both sides, I've been with the Lakers… Understanding that they do travel well. But also, the fans should show their appreciation for Luka. There's no doubt. They have that right. They should cheer for him. He's one that has entertained since his rookie year. So I think it's safe to say that they should cheer. But for us it's about trying to find a way to win.”

The Mavericks head coach still clearly has respect for Doncic. Mavericks fans protested the trade ahead of the first home game following the deal. Kidd and the team understand that fans will want their voices to be heard once again on Wednesday with Luka in the building.

Luka Doncic will play his first game at the American Airlines Center as a member of a team other than the Mavericks at 7:30 PM EST on Wednesday night.