Tears Dry Up for Luka Doncic as LeBron James Leaks Locker Room Directive With Muhammed Ali Reference

Over 50 years ago, Muhammad Ali became only the second heavyweight ever to recapture the world heavyweight championship after he knocked out George Foreman. The Rumble in the Jungle was an iconic moment in American sporting history. And Luka Doncic’s return to the place he called home for 8 years, Dallas, saw a throwback to that legendary night in the Congo.

Luka’s return was a tearful affair as the emotions seemed to hit a fever pitch for him following a tribute from the Mavs. But being emotional wasn’t going to get in his way tonight as he went ballistic on his former team. And as LeBron egged on the crowd after starting a certain chant, the decree within the Lakers locker room was clear. But what was the capacity crowd at the American Airlines Center saying?

“Ali boma ye! Ali boma ye!,” the same chant that spurred on Muhammad Ali 50 years ago was the same one used tonight. It means “Ali, kill him!” And looking at Luka’s performance tonight, it’s clear he, much like Muhammad Ali that night, was out for blood.

However, the difference was, Luka traded in the jab for a lethal shot from beyond the arc. And much like Ali that night, Doncic had a harder time missing. He made 7 out of his 10 3-point attempts tonight. And he stung Dallas like a bee with his incredible defense, too! Doncic ended the night with 45 points and 4 steals.

And Luka joining in with his team and the fans in this chant may have also signalled something. For years now, there’s been a narrative that Luka doesn’t have the mindset of someone like a Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. However, joining an “Ali Boma Ye” chant against his former team just shows that he’s developed a killer instinct. Perhaps all the time spent under the guidance of LeBron has paid off.

Nevertheless, one thing became crystal clear after tonight’s game and the post-game shenanigans. Luka Doncic is a Laker now. But does that really answer the question on everyone’s minds right now?

Has Luka Doncic moved on from the Dallas Mavericks?

Now, the answer to this question may appear simple on the surface. Yes, Luka is a Laker now, so of course he’s moved on. But is it really that straightforward? After all, even the Mavs fans seemed conflicted by Luka’s presence tonight. They booed him, then also gave him a standing ovation as he clocked out of the game. Clearly, they’re conflicted. And it’s not hard to see why.

Luka Doncic was their talisman for nearly a decade. In that time, the Mavs fans came to adore and cherish him. It wasn’t just the fans, though. Even then-owner Mark Cuban said he’d rather get a divorce than lose Doncic to another team. He was supposed to be their franchise player, and his trade robbed them of that. Hence, the “Fire Nico” chants. And it also gives us a clue as to why the Dallas faithful joined LeBron in referencing the legendary boxer tonight.

But what about Luka? Where’s his head at in all of this? Well, no matter how lovely the past is, you can’t cling to it forever. And perhaps tonight’s game was a testament to that fact for Doncic. He even acknowledged this in his interview with ESPN. “I love these fans, I love this city, but it’s time to move on,” he said. And the writing on the wall is clear now.

Luka Doncic has a new home, with new teammates and fans that have his back now. And as the heir apparent to LeBron James’ throne in LA, he also has new responsibilities. Maybe that’s why LeBron chose to reference Ali tonight. To show Luka that he needed to put the past behind him and sever the ties to his former club when he’s on the court with his new team.

The Lakers star did an admirable job of this tonight. Much like Ali, he showed everyone that he isn’t in the midst of a slump. No, this is just the beginning of a new era for him. Nevertheless, his reaction to the tribute and the chant still proved that Luka, like the fans of his former club, remains conflicted. But he IS moving on. Bit by bit, piece by piece.