Lakers fans are counting down the days until Monday night, when Luka Doncic is expected to make his purple and gold debut against the Utah Jazz. The Slovenian superstar has been sidelined since Christmas with a left calf strain, but he’s finally ready to suit up for his new team.
The 25-year-old sensation has already jumped back into action, taking part in full 5-on-5 scrimmages with his Lakers teammates this week.
“It went well,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said after Wednesday’s practice. “I think [his first game will be] probably, more likely, Monday. Again, no commitment made or anything, but probably trending more towards Monday.”
The news first broke through ESPN sources, and the excitement in Los Angeles is building. Doncic hasn’t just been practicing – he’s been putting in serious work in the weight room too.
“All is positive,” Redick told reporters with a smile. “Hopefully we get the word in the next few days that he’s good to go. We all want to see him in a Laker uniform.”
The Lakers haven’t missed a beat since the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas for Doncic. They’ve won both games since the deal, crushing the Clippers 122-97 and taking down the Warriors 120-112.
But Redick is trying to keep expectations realistic.
“We’re not going to be able to snap our fingers and it’s all going to work right away,” he explained. “We want him to feel confident, and we want our medical staff to feel confident. We’re not going to rush anything here.”
The anticipation around Doncic’s Lakers debut has been building since the trade was announced. Monday’s game against the Jazz could be one of the most watched regular season games this year.
For Lakers fans who’ve been dreaming of seeing Doncic in forum blue and gold, the wait is almost over.
