Luka Doncic’s prospective Lakers debut has the basketball world talking, and the NBA’s corporate sponsors are no exception. ESPN moved heaven and earth to flex Los Angeles’ Feb. 8 clash with the Pacers onto its airwaves on the mere suggestion that Doncic could play (he did not).
That was only the start. All signs are pointing to Doncic taking the court for the purple and gold on Monday night — a duel with the Jazz. One of sports’ preeminent brands is responding in kind, dropping a commercial befitting of Doncic’s hardwood prowess.
Here’s what you need to know about Gatorade’s teaser trailer for Doncic’s L.A. debut.
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Luka Doncic Gatorade commercial
Much like legions of hardwood enthusiasts, Gatorade, too, felt compelled to celebrate Doncic’s Lakers debut. The beverage brand looked to one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks to do so: the Hollywood Sign.
It’s Showtime 🪄 pic.twitter.com/qj2ySbi9zs
— Gatorade (@Gatorade) February 10, 2025
In the 15-second clip, viewers get an aerial view of the much-discussed structure. At first glance, everything seems normal, but upon closer inspection, a subtle alteration is revealed. The two L’s needed to complete the 450-foot-long landmark were nowhere to be found. Instead, they were replaced with 77, Doncic’s famous number.
Everything seems to be glitzier in Tinseltown, including the hoops. Expect a star-studded display from Doncic and the Lakers on Monday night. Gatorade certainly is.
When will Luka Doncic make his Lakers debut?
Doncic is expected to play in Los Angeles’ home joust against the Jazz on Monday night. The game will tip off at 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local time) from Crypto.com Arena. Doncic, who has missed 22 straight games after suffering a calf strain on Christmas, was upgraded to probable ahead of Monday’s match.
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