Luka Doncic Makes Stellar Debut as Lakers Triumph Over Jazz

Eppe Franklyne –

• Luka Doncic made his highly anticipated debut for the Lakers in their 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz.
• Doncic contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in just under 24 minutes of play.
• LeBron James had an impressive 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Austin Reaves added 22 points.
• Los Angeles extended their winning streak to six games and improved to 12-2 in their last 14 games.
• The Lakers shot 54.3% from the field and had seven players reach double figures in scoring.
• Lauri Markkanen and John Collins led the Jazz with 17 points each, as Utah struggled on the road.
• Doncic’s debut was attended by numerous celebrities, including Adele, Will Ferrell, and Dirk Nowitzki.

In a thrilling Monday night performance, Luka Doncic made his long-awaited debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, helping lead them to a dominant 132-113 win over the Utah Jazz. Acquired in a stunning trade from the Dallas Mavericks on February 2, Doncic showed flashes of brilliance despite being limited to just under 24 minutes due to a calf strain he sustained on Christmas.

Though he sat out the fourth quarter with the game firmly in hand, Doncic made a mark with impressive assists, including setting up Jaxson Hayes for an alley-oop dunk and finding LeBron James with a full-court pass for a layup. Despite some rust, evidenced by a shooting performance of 5-of-14 from the field and a mere 1-of-7 from three-point range, Doncic’s debut was still a significant boost for the Lakers.

LeBron James led the charge with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Austin Reaves added 22 points. The Lakers’ offense was clicking on all cylinders, shooting 54.3% from the field, as they secured their sixth consecutive win and 12th in their last 14 games.

The Jazz, led by Lauri Markkanen and John Collins with 17 points each, couldn’t keep pace. Utah has now lost nine consecutive road games. With Doncic’s arrival injecting new energy, the Lakers appear poised for a deep playoff run.