The Los Angeles Lakers could see Luka Doncic make his highly anticipated debut tonight when they host the Utah Jazz. However, both Doncic and LeBron James are listed as questionable on the injury report.
Doncic, who arrived in Los Angeles via a blockbuster trade, is dealing with a left calf strain that has delayed his first game in purple and gold. James is battling soreness in his left ankle, while Austin Reaves is listed as probable with a left elbow contusion.
The Lakers (31-19) enter the matchup in fifth place in the Western Conference, trailing the fourth-seeded Houston Rockets (33-20) by just half a game. Los Angeles has won 11 of its last 13 games, showing strong form as the second half of the season approaches.
Utah (12-39) continues its rebuilding phase and sits 14th in the conference. The Jazz have struggled recently, dropping eight of their last 10 games, and will be without Collin Sexton (left ankle sprain), Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture), and KJ Martin (return to competition reconditioning).
Before the trade, Doncic averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game with the Dallas Mavericks. His addition to the Lakers is expected to significantly boost their playoff push.
Los Angeles will also be without Christian Wood, who remains sidelined following knee surgery, and Maxi Kleber, who is recovering from a right foot fracture. Mark Williams is listed as out due to trade pending status after the Lakers cancelled his trade.
If Doncic is cleared to play, the Lakers will get their first look at how he fits alongside James. The team’s new-look offense will be tested against a Utah squad that has allowed 119.1 points per game this season.
The Lakers have been dominant at home, boasting a 18-6 record at Crypto.com Arena. Utah, on the other hand, has struggled on the road, winning just seven of its 28 away games this season.
