Luka Dončić’s Emotional Reunion: Lakers Star Calls Out for Former Mavs Trainer After OT Thriller

Luka Dončić’s departure from the Dallas Mavericks continues to stir emotions, with new details emerging about the fractured relationship between the superstar and his former team.

Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ thrilling 113-109 overtime victory against the New York Knicks, Dončić, who played a pivotal role with 32 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds, was seen searching for someone on the court. While celebrating with Knicks players, he was heard asking, “Where’s Casey?”—a clear reference to former Mavericks head athletic trainer Casey Smith, who now serves as the Knicks’ vice president of sports medicine.

Smith was a key figure in Dončić’s career during his time in Dallas, forming a close bond with the All-Star guard. However, in a move that reportedly strained Dončić’s relationship with the Mavericks, Smith, along with other staff members close to him, was let go by the organization. The decision was allegedly made to push Dončić toward better conditioning habits, but instead, it only deepened the disconnect between him and the franchise.

In an interview with ESPN, Dončić expressed his frustration, stating, “They get rid of everybody I like.” His words underscore the lingering bitterness of his exit from Dallas, which, even a month after his blockbuster trade to Los Angeles, remains a topic of discussion.

Though Dončić has quickly found success with the Lakers, his bond with Smith serves as a reminder of what once was. His search for the trainer after the game wasn’t just a casual reunion—it was a small but powerful reflection of the emotional ties severed in his turbulent split from the Mavericks.