Former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic made his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night against the Utah Jazz. The Lakers went on to defeat the Jazz 132-113.
In his debut with Los Angeles, Doncic finished the game with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. With his 14 points, Doncic is now tied with his teammate Bronny James in the team’s record books.
Although it’ll take some time to get used to seeing Doncic in a Lakers uniform, he seemed to receive a warm embrace from his teammates, including LeBron James.
“Don’t fit in. Fit the [expletive] out. Be yourself,” James told Doncic before the start of the game.
Doncic only played 24 minutes in his Los Angeles debut, but he was very content with the way his first game with the team went.
“The way they received me, everybody, it was amazing to see. I was a little bit nervous before. I don’t remember the last time I was nervous before the game. But once I stepped on the court, it was fun. And just being out there again felt amazing,” Doncic told the LA Times.
Although James is missing some time due to his forearm, he has been seeing some NBA minutes due to his impressive play in the NBA G League for the South Bay Lakers. When he returns, it’ll be intriguing to see a trio of LeBron, Bronny, and Doncic on the floor. It’s exciting times in Los Angeles right now, and there seems to be some reinstated title hopes for the franchise.
Mavericks fans are accustomed to what Doncic can do with a basketball. In his limited time in his Lakers’ debut, he showcased his ability to hit the stepback three, found James on a lob down court for an easy layup, and seems to be very happy with his fresh start, considering how everything has transpired. All in all, a solid debut from Doncic that has him climbing the Lakers’ record books.
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