Doncic immediately enjoying being one of the Lakers
The Slovenian watched on as his new teammates – including LeBron and Bronny – made relatively light work of the Clippers.
The Luka Doncic era with the Los Angeles Lakers is on the verge of beginning. This Saturday’s game against the Indiana Pacers is slated as his return once the Slovenian recovers from the calf injury that has kept him sidelined since Christmas Day—when he played his final minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite his absence, the point guard joined his new teammates for the final one of their five road games at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, home to the Clippers, who were completely overpowered by their Los Angeles neighbors.
The Lakers won by 25 points (97–122) to the delight of Doncic, who smiled more than once at his team’s performance—especially after a dunk by LeBron James in which he gestured to his teammates, including himself.
The forward, who said goodbye his good friend Anthony Davis in the trade, finished with 26 points (the highest of the game), 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. His drive was key to the Lakers’ scoring 45 points in the first quarter, leaving them with a demoralizing 50–73 at halftime. That gap allowed the visitors to give minutes to Bronny, who made his NBA debut from the perimeter with his first three-pointer – much to the delight of his father and Doncic, who celebrated the basket next to the King. A new era begins in Los Angeles.
“It’s going to be special having Doncic, I think so,” James said. “We’re going to attract a lot of attention. Obviously, our ability to score, rebound, and pass will make it much easier for our teammates.”
“It’s been a whirlwind, so I can’t even imagine how Luka, AD, Max Christie, Maxi Kleber and Hood-Schifino feel. It’s been a challenge, no doubt,” James continued. “Especially for me, I spent six years with Anthony Davis, won a championship with my guy. He’s one of my best friends, obviously, but you know this is a business. You understand it. It’s the business of basketball, we all get it, and I know he’s going to do well over there in Dallas.”
NBA round-up
Cleveland Cavaliers 105 – Boston Celtics 112
Philadelphia 76ers 118 – Dallas Mavericks 116
Brooklyn Nets 99 – Houston Rockets 97
Toronto Raptors 115 – New York Knicks 121
Chicago Bulls 133 – Miami Heat 124
Portland Trail Blazers 112 – Indiana Pacers 89
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