Luka Dončić Scores 14 in Minutes-Restricted Laker Debut
Luka Dončić Gets First Lakers Player Introduction
Luka Dončić was introduced to the fans at Crypto.com Arena before his Los Angeles Lakers debut.
Luka Dončić scored 14 points in limited playing time during his debut with the Lakers on Monday night, joining their starting lineup alongside LeBron James and immediately getting into the flow during Los Angeles’ 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz.
Dončić’s Debut
Dončić got multiple standing ovations from a Los Angeles crowd wearing thousands of gold T-shirts with his name and No. 77. He scored 11 points while the Lakers streaked out to a 25-point halftime lead, and he sat down for good with 3:07 left in the third quarter with the Lakers far ahead in their sixth consecutive victory.
The Slovenian superstar’s first bucket was a 3-pointer in the opening minutes on his second shot for the Lakers. Dončić finished with five rebounds and four assists — none prettier than a three-quarter-court strike to James for a layup late in the first half.
A Familiar Face in a New Home
The game was Dončić’s first in nearly seven weeks since he strained his left calf on Christmas with the Mavericks, who shocked the sports world by trading their 25-year-old centerpiece and NBA scoring champion. The grateful Lakers gave up Anthony Davis and Max Christie.
After a full week to settle in and to return to full strength, Dončić joined James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes as starters for the streaking Lakers, who had won 11 of 13 even before adding a five-time All-NBA selection to their lineup.
A Smooth Transition
Dončić played only 23 minutes as the Lakers bring him back deliberately from his injury. His legs aren’t quite there yet — he went 1 for 7 on 3-point attempts in his debut — but his playmaking immediately meshed with his new teammates.
Coach JJ Redick, who played alongside Dončić for 13 games in 2021 with the Dallas Mavericks, was eager to see what Dončić would do in his much-hyped debut with his new team.
The Future Looks Bright
"Excitement level is high," Redick said. "I don’t think anything in our approach or game plan for Utah changes. It is always a challenge in-season to integrate, and we have to be able to give each other patience for that."
Dončić didn’t disappoint: His first touch was an alley-oop assist to Hayes, and he hit his 3-pointer moments later. He was serenaded with "Luka! Luka!" chants at the first dead ball, and several times thereafter.
A Star’s First Game
That crowd included Dirk Nowitzki, who overlapped with Dončić for one season in Dallas and served as his mentor. Dončić appeared to be the natural heir to the German Hall of Famer’s incredible run in Dallas — until current Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison decided otherwise.
Minutes Restriction
Dončić played the first 6:56 before checking out alongside James — likely a coincidence due to Dončić’s minutes restriction while he returns to full strength. The Lakers are expected to have one of their superstars on the floor at nearly all times when Dončić is up to speed.
"Feel like it’s best right now to ease Luka back in to playing NBA action," Redick said. "I think if it was up to Luka, he would probably play 48 minutes, but we’re thinking long-term and we want to be safe."
Conclusion
Luka Dončić’s debut with the Los Angeles Lakers was a successful one, as he scored 14 points in limited playing time. The Slovenian superstar will continue to adjust to his new team, but for now, he’s off to a great start.
FAQs
- How many points did Luka Dončić score in his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers?
14 - How many minutes did Luka Dončić play in his debut?
23 - Who did Luka Dončić join in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers?
LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes - What was Luka Dončić’s first basket in his debut?
A 3-pointer in the opening minutes - How much did Luka Dončić donate to fire recovery efforts in his new community?
$500,000
