The shock of the trade is not yet worn out for many NBA fans. It was only nine days since it broke. Some woke up with the news, others were stunned in real time in the early morning hours of 2 February.
Luka Doncic was a Laker. The trade was examined and criticized, while Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has adopted extra security because of the recoil for his choice to move the best possession of his team to Los Angeles.
And until Monday evening it all still seemed unreal. Then 25-year-old Slovenian took the floor with Laker Gold for the first time. Here he was. Luka de Laker.
Doncic tried to get the best out of the opportunity, but there is a clear rust considering that he has not played for more than a month. He ended with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes, because he made a form of an impact with his new team in a 132-113 demolition of the wrestling Utah Jazz.
The tandem of LeBron and Luka was seen for the first time and worked like a charm. James ended the night with 24 points, seven rebounds and eight assists to lead Los Angeles to victory.
“Special moment,” Doncic said on the field after the game. “There was a lot of noise when I was introduced and it really means a lot.”
NBA Point Guard Luka Doncic made his debut on Monday evening as Lakers player
Doncic comes from an injury that he sustained with the Dallas Mavericks in December
The NBA was treated to the debut of the LeBron-Luka-Tandem as they combined for 38 points
But all eyes were aimed at Doncic and made his debut for his new team since he was moved from Dallas to LA for Anthony Davis, among others.
Davis is already injured. The big man left his Mavericks debut injury due to pain in his abs. He is expected to miss a longer period.
Doncic, on the other hand, comes from a calf injury. He had not played since December – but rehabilitated and recovered to make his debut on Monday.
Fans on crypto.com Arena cheered when the name of the Slovenian guard was announced in the starting line -ups. The sight of a purple no. 77 on that bright yellow sweater will still take time for some to get used to.
Mark the down the first time that Doncic appears in a play-by play in his memorable Lakers debut came over in the first quarter with 10:34: “Luka Doncic Bad Pass (John Collins Steals)”.
So not the exact first impression you might have wanted. Maybe the next appearance in the score sheet is better?
'9: 46-Luka Doncic Mist 27-foot 3-point step back Jumpshot.' Oh well.
Fortunately the third time was the charm. '8: 05-Luka Doncic makes 26-foot 3-point step back Jumpshot Utah 10, Lal 14.' That looks more like it. Welcome to LA, Luka.
As typical in Los Angeles, the stars came out at night to view the new lost son of the Lakers. Adele, Will Ferrell and Floyd Mayweather have previously been seen at Lakers Games.
Doncic is for the first time for the American national anthem as a player of Lakers
Dallas Mavericks -legend Dirk Nowitzki looks up while Luka Doncic makes his Lakers debut
Doncic sank this 3 -point shot – his first basketed basket as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers
But there is a particularly interesting recording among the fans: Hall-of-Famer and Mavericks Legend Dirk Nowitzki.
Against the break, the Lakers had built up such a substantial lead that coach JJ Redick was able to let some of his better players rest.
After walking about 23 and a half minutes of playing time, he oppressed Doncic with 3:07 in the third quarter.
The guard put on a long-sleeved shirt, sat down on the couch and looked at the rest of the night unable to improve his 5-of-14 shooting line or his 1-of-7 3-point shooting.
Roest could be expected and forgiven. After all, he has not touched the court in a competition since the end of December, just had to uproot all his life because his former GM has made a trade that has no fundamental feeling, and has to fulfill again with a completely new city.
So give Doncic for a while. Was a fairy tale tonight? No, but it didn't have to be. He built a basis and there is room for improvement.
But this is not the NBA final, it is a match against one of the worst teams in the competition.
Doncic will have enough time for Showtime. He is destined for it.
