Lakers welcome Doncic with win over Jazz; ‘Luka Magic’ shines
The Lakers welcome Luka Doncic with loud cheers on Monday after winning over the Utah Jazz as “Luka Magic” shines in Los Angeles.
Visit Sportsmania for more NBA news and other basketball updates.
Check out M88 Mansion’s best offers here.
LAKERS WELCOME DONCIC TO LOUD, WARM APPLAUSE
The Lakers welcome Doncic to a loud and warm applause as he was the last to be introduced in the starting lineup.
Furthermore, the 25-year-old Slovenian superstar, acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks last week, went out on a winning note.
Moreover, Doncic had 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 24 minutes in his Laker debut as Los Angeles beat Utah, 132-113.
The All-Star guard hit a three in his first points as a Laker early in the first quarter.
He started along with fellow superstar LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes.
LUKA RETURNS FROM CALF INJURY SINCE CHRISTMAS
Doncic returned to NBA action overall after recovering from a left calf strain that sidelined him since Christmas last year.
Moreover, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 22 games with the Mavericks this season before the trade.
Furthermore, James also returned from ankle soreness that forced him to miss a game on Saturday.
The 40-year-old veteran finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in 29 minutes.
Reaves backed up James with 22 points, six boards, and four dimes, while Hachimura added 21 points and six rebounds for the Lakers.
SEA OF YELLOW AS ‘LUKA MAGIC’ SHINES IN LA
A sea of yellow greeted Doncic at Crypto.com arena as “Luka Magic” shines in LA.
Furthermore, fans received a custom Doncic Lakers shirt upon their arrival at the stadium.
Moreover, the festive scene near Hollywood was in contrast to a volatile situation in Dallas, where some fans still protest the trade.
Anthony Davis, one of three players lost by LA for Doncic, already made his Dallas debut but is sidelined with an injury.
Meanwhile, rookie Dalton Knecht returned to the Lakers bench after a trade with the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams was rescinded after the trade deadline.
Williams failed a physical, prompting Knecht and other players involved in the trade to return to their previous teams.
You may also like
Concacaf disciplines referee for asking Messi shirt February 21, 2025
