Anticipation for fans of Los Angeles Lakers ended on Monday evening while Luka Doncic made his debut in purple and gold at the crypto.com Arena against Utah Jazz.
Doncic played 24 minutes because all the star of the Lakers, except one, played under 30 years (Austin Reaves). He took advantage of it, scoring 14 points, entering five rebounds and distributing four assists. It was more-15 on the ground and 5 out of 14 on the field.
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Los Angeles Lakers Guard Luka Doncic is making gestures when he returned in the first half of a basketball match of the NBA against Utah Jazz on Monday, February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP photo / Mark J. Terill)
He had not played since Christmas due to an injury and was then the main part of a successful business of the Dallas Mavericks in Lakers. While the fans received T-shirts therefore and went on the ground with LeBron James, Doncic admitted that he was a “little nervous”.
“I don’t remember) the last time I was nervous before the match. But once I am on the ground, it was fun. I’m just there, it was incredible,” -He said after the match.
The Lakers won the 132-113 match.
Anthony Davis of Mavericks is injured in the early days after the blockbuster trade
The Los Angeles Lakers Luka Donnic goalkeeper arrives in front of a basketball game from the NBA against Utah Jazz on Monday on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP photo / Mark J. Terill)
“The simple fact of encouraging in the arena was absolutely incredible,” said Donic. “It was my favorite game – and play again.”
Over the season, Doncic’s chemistry with James will be a key factor. The Lakers went to 32-19 this year with the victory and are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference. Being out of the game tournament will be a key to the team.
“Knowing Luka, whether he will admit it or not, there was probably a little nerves playing for the Lakers for the first time, and the anticipation that this building had,” said the Lakers head coach, JJ Redick. “I thought he had managed it very well, and he played very well tonight. … He did not succeed in Luka. He managed to play the right basketball and play basketball Laker ball. “
The t-shirts with the Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic number are seen on fans seats before a basketball match in the NBA between Lakers and Utah Jazz on Monday, February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP photo / Mark J. Terill)
Los Angeles will go to Utah to play jazz again before the stars’ break.
