The heart of Texas will be beating louder than ever on Wednesday night, and not because of barbecue or bluebonnets, but because the beloved basketball superstar Luka Dončić is coming home.

Nearly two months after the blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA, Luka’s return to the American Airlines Center is shaping up to be something more than just a basketball game — it’s a reunion, a reckoning, and maybe even a reminder of what could’ve been.

For six seasons, Dallas lived and breathed Luka. He was the face on the billboards, the hope in every late-game possession, the magician who made the impossible look routine.

On April 9, though, he’ll walk out of the visitor’s tunnel in Lakers purple and gold — not Mavs blue — and for 48 minutes, he’ll be the enemy on the floor he once called home.

But make no mistake: he’ll be welcomed back like a prodigal son.

The energy inside American Airlines Center is expected to be electric, emotional, and maybe even tearful. Luka Dončić gave the Mavericks everything he had. From buzzer-beating game-winners to playoff heroics, he poured his soul into the city. That’s why fans are lining up to give something back.

Tickets are soaring, and so are hearts. At an average resale price of $404, this game isn’t just the most expensive Lakers-Mavs ticket in over a decade — it’s the most hyped Mavericks regular-season home game in 15 years.

The cheapest seat is hovering near $199, and that’s if you’re lucky. Since the February trade, prices have spiked 53%, and demand is 37% higher than the Lakers’ last visit to Dallas before the trade.

In the crowd, 65% will bleed Mavericks blue. But don’t be surprised when a standing ovation erupts as Luka’s name echoes across the PA system. There will be cheers. There will be tears. There may even be a few “Thank You Luka” signs flashing courtside.

Since the trade, the Lakers have been on a mission. With a 20-11 record since Luka’s arrival, they’ve clawed their way to third in the Western Conference (48-30), quietly becoming one of the most dangerous teams heading into the postseason.

Luka has done more than just adjust — he’s flourished. Averaging 27.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in L.A., he’s brought the same magic westward. His first triple-double in a Lakers jersey? Against Dallas, of course. 19 points, 15 boards, 12 assists — a poetic performance that made him just the third player in NBA history to post a triple-double against every NBA team.

Now, he returns to the scene of it all. And this time, the stakes are even higher.

For Dallas, this game is survival. At 38-41, the Mavericks are clinging to the final play-in spot — just 2.5 games ahead of the chasing Suns. Every game matters now, and every possession carries playoff weight. Anthony Davis, now the anchor in Big D, knows what’s at stake. But if he’s nervous about facing his old squad?

“No emotions,” Davis said with a shrug.

That’s classic AD. Stoic. Focused. Ready.

The fans will show love. The lights will be blinding. And the game? It’s going to feel like June in April.

Luka will dribble through memories. Every pivot might remind him of a step-back three he used to hit in front of that very bench. Every cheer might echo from seasons past. But he’s a Laker now — and Los Angeles is on a mission that doesn’t have room for nostalgia.

This is a pivotal night for both franchises. A win for the Lakers strengthens their seeding and continues their charge toward contention. A win for Dallas could be the lifeline they need to stay in the playoff picture.

It’s Hollywood meets heartbreak. Showtime vs. the shadows of what was. Luka vs. love.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, and every second will matter.

Because when the ball goes up in Dallas this Wednesday, it’s not just a game — it’s a chapter.

And for Luka Dončić, it’s the one that writes itself.