The expectation of Los Angeles Lakers fans ended on Monday night when Luka Doncic debuted in purple and gold at Crypto.com Arena against Utah Jazz.
Doncic played 24 minutes when everyone except a Lakers star played under 30 (Austin Reaves). He got the most out of it, scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds and Dishing out four assists. He was plus-15 while on the floor and 5-of-14 from the field.
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Los Angeles Laker’s guard Luka Doncic moves as he comes back during the first half of a NBA basketball match against Utah Jazz on Monday, February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
He had not played since Christmas because of an injury and was then the main part of a blockbuster trade from Dallas Mavericks to Lakers. When fans received Doncic T-shirts and he stepped on the floor with LeBron James, Doncic admitted he was a “little nervous.”
“I (can’t remember) the last time I was nervous before the game. But when I first stepped on the field again, it was fun. Just being out there felt amazing,” he said after the game.
Lakers won the game 132-113.
Mavericks’ Anthony Davis is suffering damage in debut after Blockbuster -Handel
Los Angeles Lakers -vagt Luka Doncic arrives before an NBA basketball match against Utah Jazz, Monday, February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
“Just the amount of cheering in the arena was absolutely incredible,” Doncic said. “It was my favorite part – and to play again.”
As the season goes on, Doncics Chemistry with James will be a key factor. Lakers moved to the 32-19 year with the victory and is currently in fourth place at the western conference. Being out of the play-in tournament will be a key to the team.
“When he knows Luka, if he wants to admit this or not, there were probably a little bit of nerves that played for Lakers for the first time, and the expectation this building had,” said Laker’s head coach JJ Redick. “I thought he was handling it really well and he played really well tonight
T-shirts with Los Angeles Lakers-Guard Luka Doncics number are seen playing out on fan seats before an NBA basketball match between Lakers and Utah Jazz Monday 10 February 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles goes to Utah to play jazz again before the All-Star break begins.
