Doncic reacts to Pau Gasol’s Lakers legacy: moment of pure respect

The new-look Los Angeles Lakers overran the Utah Jazz in what turned out to be a dream debut from star signing Luka Doncic, brought in from the Dallas Mavericks.

Signing the Slovenian was without a doubt the biggest piece of headline news to come from the NBA in months, possibly years. Fans of the Dallas Mavericks were furious, but they were in the minority.

Ahead of his debut game, Doncic sat in front of the world’s press to take questions from the press, keen to get a line from the player who had caused such a media and fan stir.

‘I hope to see Pau Gasol, I know he lives round here’

When asked by AS how he felt at being “the first European franchise player since Pau [Gasol], after everything he was for this team”, Doncic responded that he felt “very good.”

“I have spoken to plenty of people here”, he added, “and they all have so much respect for Pau and what he meant for the Lakers. I hope to see him, I know he lives round here. It’s an honour to be here.”

In his debut, Doncic hit 14 points and 5 rebounds, as well as managing 4 assists. It was the 6th straight win for the Lakers who moved into 4th in the Western Conference. Luka came back from injury and played 24 minutes, with LA coach JJ Reddick letting him rest for the final 12 minutes.

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