The Luka Doncic era officially began on Monday for the Los Angeles Lakers when he made his debut with them nine days after they acquired him in a stunning trade from the Dallas Mavericks. He wasn’t quite in peak form, as he was playing in his first game since Christmas Day due to a calf injury, but he did contribute 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in a 132-113 win over the Utah Jazz.
Lakers fans have been on cloud nine ever since the trade was announced, not just because of what it means for this season but also because of what it could mean for the next 10 years or so — or possibly more.
Doncic called his debut “special” and complimented his teammates for how they were playing coming into this game.
He was announced last during the introduction of the starting lineups, and he appreciated the love he got from the crowd at Crypto.com Arena while admitting he was nervous.
Doncic also commented on getting to play with LeBron James, who had 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, and how good the team can be with him.
Before the start of the game, James urged Doncic to be himself and not merely fit in. The Slovenia native said it gave him a nice boost.
Head coach JJ Redick said Doncic is on a minutes restriction, and it therefore looks like he will be gradually integrated into the lineup.
The Lakers have now won six games in a row and 12 of their last 14, and their 32-19 record has them in fourth place in the Western Conference. They were already playing inspired basketball without Doncic, and it is almost scary to think about how excellent they will be, especially offensively, once he gets fully integrated.
