Luka Dončić made a highly anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his presence has already brought significant changes to the team. In their 12-7 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday, Dončić played just 23 minutes, scoring 14 points and providing four assists.
Here are five key takeaways from Dončić’s first taste of the Lakers:
1. The City is Back in the NBA: The Lakers’ trade for Dončić has reinvigorated the team, with fans and sponsors alike embracing the Slovenian point guard. Gatorade showed a commercial featuring Dončić’s jersey number 77, and sellout crowds at Crypto.com Arena received Luka Laker giveaway shirts.
2. LeBron Takes a Back Seat: Dončić is already receiving guidance from LeBron James on how to navigate the team. The two exchanged words in the tipoff huddle, with Dončić encouraged to be himself and not constantly yield to James’ scoring prowess.
3. Luka to LeBron Will Be a Work of Art: One pass showcased Dončić’s exceptional passing skills, as he threaded a court-length pass to James for an easy basket. This exchange hints at a beautiful back-and-forth between the two players, with Dončić freeing up space for James and vice versa.
4. The Lakers are Hot Streaking: The win marked the Lakers’ sixth consecutive victory, pushing them into range of third place in the West. While their momentum may be short-lived, this hot streak is a welcome sign for fans.
5. Fallout in Dallas: Anthony Davis’s injury has dealt a significant blow to the Mavericks, who now face uncertainty about his return. The team was already struggling after trading Dončić, and the loss of Davis could lead to a collapse, sparking frustration among fans.
Source: https://www.nba.com/news/5-takeaways-luka-doncic-lakers-debut