Luka Doncic made his Los Angeles Lakers debut in Monday night's home game against the Utah Jazz.
Doncic's much-anticipated debut since last week's stunning trade has been delayed as he rehabs from a left calf strain. Doncic last played on Dec. 25 and had been targeting a return before the All-Star break.
He was in the starting lineup but on a minutes restriction, according to head coach JJ Redick. The Lakers plan to "ease Luka back in," Redick said.
Doncic will start alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes.
The Lakers, who are taking a five-game winning streak into the matchup with Utah, will be giving away Doncic's No. 77 jerseys at the arena. Doncic also announced Monday that his foundation will be donating $500,000 to help recovery efforts from the wildfires that ravaged L.A. last month.
A message from @luka7doncic to Los Angeles. ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/fhoa30nIjY
โ Luka Donฤiฤ Foundation (@LD77Foundation) February 10, 2025
Dalton Knecht, whom the Lakers sent to Charlotte as part of the Mark Williams trade that has since been rescinded, was a late scratch for Monday's game. Cam Reddish, who was also part of that trade, is listed as out due to personal reasons.