Luka Doncic made a significant impact in his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in a decisive 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night. This win marked the Lakers’ sixth consecutive triumph as they continue to gain momentum in the league.
LeBron James led the charge with 24 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 22 points. Doncic, who joined the Lakers in a surprising trade from the Dallas Mavericks on February 2, played his first game since recovering from a calf strain sustained on Christmas Day. He logged just under 24 minutes on the court, primarily as a precaution, but showcased his talent with several highlight moments, helping the Lakers notch their 12th win in the last 14 games.
The Lakers displayed a remarkable offensive performance, with seven players scoring in double figures while shooting an impressive 54.3% from the field. At one point, Los Angeles held a commanding lead of 34 points over their rivals.
For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen and John Collins each scored 17 points, but the team continues to struggle, suffering their ninth consecutive road loss. Jazz head coach Will Hardy had expressed hopes that his young roster would handle the pressure, but they struggled to rise to the occasion against a formidable Lakers team.
Doncic’s debut was not only marked by his on-court performance but also by the star-studded audience, which included celebrities like Adele, Will Ferrell, and Red Hot Chili Peppers members Chad Smith and Flea, along with Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki.
Key highlights from Doncic’s performance included impressive assists, notably setting up a breathtaking alley-oop dunk for Jaxson Hayes just 50 seconds into the game and delivering a long pass to James for a layup in the closing moments of the first half. However, Doncic showed signs of rust from his lengthy break, shooting 5 of 14 from the field and struggling from beyond the arc, making just one of his seven attempts from three-point range.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will clash with the Jazz again on Wednesday, potentially giving Doncic another opportunity to shake off any lingering rust and further integrate into his new team. With the Lakers’ growing chemistry and Doncic’s talent, the future looks bright for this newly formed team as they aim to contend for the championship.