Slovenian basketball star Luka Dončić, the new face of Los Angeles, made his debut in a Lakers jersey, leading the team to a commanding 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz in the NBA.
Lakers fans finally got the chance to see Luka Dončić step onto the court in the iconic yellow jersey.
The Slovenian player, who was unexpectedly traded from Dallas to Los Angeles in early February, recovered from his injury and made his first appearance against Utah, playing alongside his new teammates.
The “Crypto.com Arena” was packed to the rafters, with fans in matching yellow shirts bearing the number 77 and the name “Dončić” on the back. The Lakers added to the celebratory atmosphere with a dominant performance, securing their sixth consecutive win.
The Jazz had no answer, falling behind 37-25 after the first quarter. By halftime, the Lakers had a decisive 72-47 lead, making the rest of the game a mere formality. Their advantage ballooned to 34 points in the second half as they cruised to victory.
As expected, Dončić was in the starting lineup, immediately developing on-court chemistry with LeBron James. In 23 minutes, he contributed 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
At guard. Number 77. From Slovenia. LUUUUUUUUKAAAA DONČIĆ pic.twitter.com/YxjdAvapjA
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 11, 2025
He will need some time to adjust to new rims, as he made only one three-pointer in seven attempts, though he did sink it with his signature step-back move. He was more efficient inside the arc (4/7) and was flawless from the free-throw line (3/3).
However, the night belonged to LeBron James, who led the charge with 24 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and a steal in just 29 minutes.
Other standout performers included:
- Austin Reaves (22 points)
- Rui Hachimura (21 points)
- Jordan Goodwin (17 points)
For Utah, the top scorers were:
- Lauri Markkanen (17 points)
- John Collins (17 points, 11 rebounds)
- Jordan Clarkson (16 points)
The Lakers continue their hot streak, while Dončić’s debut marks a new era for the team!
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Source: RTS, Foto: AP



