Luka Doncic is set to make his highly anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday against the Utah Jazz, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. After a Christmas Day left calf strain sidelined him, the Slovenian has been ramping up his recovery and is now fully cleared for 5-on-5 play.
The trade that sent Doncic to Los Angeles shocked the NBA world. The Lakers acquired the 25-year-old guard along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also played a role, receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks in the multi-team deal.
Doncic’s return comes at a critical time for the Lakers, who are currently 5th in the Western Conference with a 30-19 record. Over their last ten games, the team has shown strong form, going 8-2. They’ll face the struggling Jazz, who sit at 14th in the West with a 12-37 record, providing a prime opportunity for Doncic to make an immediate impact.
Despite his injury, Doncic is having a stellar season, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. His scoring, playmaking, and ability to create opportunities for teammates make him an invaluable asset for the Lakers moving forward.
