Luka Doncic made his much-anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, immediately showing chemistry with LeBron James in a dominant 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz. Despite playing just 23 minutes, Doncic impressed with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists, including a dazzling three-quarter-court pass to James.
A memorable introduction
Doncic was the last player introduced in the starting lineup, a spot usually reserved for James. As he jogged onto the court through a tunnel of his new teammates, fans erupted in cheers, thousands of them wearing gold shirts emblazoned with his name and number.
“I was a little nervous before,” Doncic admitted. “I don’t remember the last time I was nervous before a game. But once I stepped on the court again, it was fun. Just being out there felt amazing.”
The Slovenian star received multiple standing ovations, but his pregame introduction was a moment he said he would never forget. James even offered to let Doncic take the final intro spot, a gesture the young superstar appreciated.
“Shows what kind of person he is,” Doncic said. “He let me have my moment.”
Strong start for the Lakers’ new star
Doncic wasted no time getting involved, assisting Jaxson Hayes on an alley-oop for his first touch of the game. He soon knocked down a three-pointer and quickly settled into his new role alongside James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Hayes in the starting lineup.
Although he shot just 1-for-7 from beyond the arc, Doncic’s passing and court vision were on full display. The Lakers, winners of 11 of their last 13 games even before Doncic’s arrival, cruised to their sixth consecutive victory.
“I just think it could be a thing of beauty, the way we can manipulate the game on the offensive end and get what we want every single possession,” Reaves said after scoring 22 points. “Luka is one of the best passers in the world … but yeah, I think it’s just the high-level IQ going along with pieces that really fit.”
The future of the Lakers’ dynamic duo
James returned from a one-game absence and quickly developed a rhythm with Doncic. The duo showcased glimpses of their potential, leaving Utah coach Will Hardy impressed.
“I don’t see any world where those two playing together isn’t a good thing,” Hardy said. “Their processing speed mentally is incredible, and so I’m sure they’ll figure it out.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick, who played briefly with Doncic in Dallas, praised his composure in such a high-profile debut.
“There was probably a little bit of nerves playing for the Lakers for the first time, and the anticipation that this building had,” Redick said. “I thought he handled it really well, and he played really well tonight. … He didn’t make it about Luka. He made it about playing good basketball and playing Laker basketball.”
Doncic’s impact extends beyond basketball
Beyond his performance on the court, Doncic made an immediate impact in Los Angeles by donating $500,000 to wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California. His pledge aims to support families, schools, and communities affected by the devastating fires last month.
“It’s been so sad to see and learn more about the damage from the wildfires as I landed in LA,” Doncic wrote on social media. “I can’t believe it, and I feel for all the kids who lost their homes, schools, and the places where they used to play with their friends.”
He signed off the message with a simple but powerful statement: “Your new neighbor.”
With his first game in the books, Doncic has officially arrived in Los Angeles, and Lakers fans couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come.
