Luka Doncic made a significant impact in his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists as his team triumphed over the Utah Jazz with a score of 132-113 on Monday evening.
LeBron James led the Lakers with an impressive performance, scoring 24 points while adding eight assists and seven rebounds. Austin Reaves also had a strong showing, contributing 22 points to help the Lakers secure their sixth consecutive victory.
Doncic’s debut comes after a surprising trade from the Dallas Mavericks on February 2, and it was his first game since recovering from a calf strain sustained on Christmas Day. Although he played just under 24 minutes to ensure his health, he showcased his talent effectively and watched the fourth quarter from the sidelines as his team held a considerable lead, marking their 12th win in 14 matches.
The Lakers featured a well-rounded attack, with seven players scoring in double figures. The team demonstrated exceptional shooting, hitting 54.3% of their shots and establishing a lead as large as 34 points during the game.
For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen and John Collins each contributed 17 points, but the team struggled on the road, suffering their ninth consecutive away loss. Head coach Will Hardy expressed hope that his young players would rise to the occasion, but the team faced difficulties in this high-stakes match.
The atmosphere of Doncic’s debut was electrifying, attracting a host of celebrities even by Los Angeles standards, with attendees including Adele, Will Ferrell, Flea and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki.
One notable moment in the game was Doncic’s impressive playmaking, where he executed several remarkable passes. He assisted Jaxson Hayes with an alley-oop just 50 seconds into the game and found a sprinting James for a layup with a long throw in the final minute of the first half.
Despite his flashes of brilliance, Doncic appeared to be wearing down from his extended absence, finishing the night shooting 5 of 14 from the field and struggling with his three-point shot, hitting only one of seven attempts (14.3%).
Looking ahead, the Jazz will have the opportunity for a rematch as they host the Lakers again on Wednesday.
