LOS ANGELES — By the time Luka Doncic stepped onto the floor at Crypto.com Arena Monday night, the tone had already been set. Gold T-shirts with his name and number 77 blanketed the crowd, the PA blared his favorite Serbian tracks during warmups, and the anticipation felt like a Hollywood premiere.
What followed was less an audition than a statement: the Lakers may have just unlocked a new era of Showtime.
Doncic’s first game in purple and gold ended in a comfortable 132–113 rout of the Utah Jazz, extending L.A.’s win streak to six. In just 24 minutes, Doncic contributed 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists — numbers modest by his standards, but more than enough to showcase why the Lakers made their bold trade deadline move.
The debut began with seamless synchronicity. On the opening possession, LeBron James drew attention while Doncic’s off-ball movement created space for Jaxson Hayes’ first alley-oop dunk. Moments later, Doncic returned the favor, feeding Hayes for another lob in transition. The crowd erupted, and for much of the night, ovations followed Doncic’s every move.
“Special,” Doncic said afterward. “The way they received me, everybody … it was amazing to see. I don’t remember the last time I was nervous before a game. But once I stepped on the court, it was fun.”
Though Doncic’s shot (5-for-14, 1-for-7 from deep) showed some rust after seven weeks sidelined with a calf strain, his vision was unmistakable. His highlight assist: a three-quarter-court laser to LeBron for a layup that drew gasps even in a city accustomed to star power.
Austin Reaves, who added 22 points of his own, was quick to praise his new teammate’s passing audacity:
“He’s willing to throw every pass. That’s what makes somebody a great passer … you have to be a little crazy in your mind to throw some of the passes that he throws. I’m just really excited he’s a Laker now.”
James, meanwhile, led all scorers with 24 points, while head coach JJ Redick highlighted how naturally the trio of James, Doncic, and Reaves meshed:
“Our three main guys did a nice job of playing off each other. This was a no-agenda game beyond winning and playing the right way.”
The night was filled with symbolism. Doncic was introduced last — a spot typically reserved for LeBron — after James texted him earlier in the day offering to give up the moment. “Shows what kind of person he is,” Doncic said, smiling.
Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki, Doncic’s mentor and former Mavericks teammate, was courtside to witness it all. The 25-year-old Slovenian returned the support off the court as well, donating $500,000 to fire recovery efforts in Los Angeles earlier in the day.
For Doncic, the debut wasn’t about perfection — it was about belonging. After the game, he reflected on seeing thousands of fans in shirts bearing his name:
“It was just a surreal feeling.”
If Monday night was any indication, the Lakers’ gamble on Doncic has the potential to reshape their future. One night, one win, one ovation after another — and suddenly, Los Angeles looks ready for another chapter of showtime basketball.
From : Utah Jazz shirts
⏩ You may also love: San Antonio Spurs Shirts
