Recap: Lakers Blow Out Jazz In Luka Doncic's Debut
Today at 12:58 AM
After over a week of waiting, the Los Angeles Lakers finally got the moment it and the fanbase had been eagerly waiting for as Luka Doncic finally made his purple and gold debut against the Utah Jazz.
Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles sent shockwaves through the league and he gave the world a look at what the next era of Lakers basketball will look like when he took the floor against the Jazz.
Los Angeles entered the evening with a five-game winning streak and tacked on another victory as they blew out Utah, 132-113.
The energy from the opening tip was at a fever pitch as fans awaited what Doncic would do and he didn’t disappoint as his first touch was a lob to Jaxson Hayes for a dunk. Doncic then scored his first points as a Laker by burying a 3-pointer to give the team a 14-10 lead.
Doncic picked up an offensive board and putback before checking out, but Los Angeles continued to score efficiently to stay in front. Not to be outdone, LeBron James had a strong close on both ends in the first that propelled the Lakers to a 37-25 lead.
James picked up where he left off at the top of the second by scoring on some tough shots, including a fadeaway along the baseline over Walker Kessler. Doncic returned and immediately found Rui Hachimura for a corner three that made it 52-31 in favor of L.A.
The offense endured a short lull with James on the bench, though Doncic was more aggressive looking for his own shot. Austin Reaves drilled a 3-pointer before the half ended and the Lakers went into the locker room up 72-47.
Los Angeles opened the third with back-to-back lobs to Hayes, though Utah finally showed signs of life offensively as they began chipping away at the deficit. However, the Lakers were able to respond with their own run to push their lead north of 30.
Utah kept battling and strung together a few solid possessions, though L.A. had the luxury of a massive lead to protect against runs. Despite some lackluster play on both ends, the Lakers walked into the fourth leading 100-75.
James opened the fourth with a putback layup, but appeared to hurt his midsection and exited the game. Even without James, though, the rest of the roster was able to run the score up against a hapless Jazz defense.
Thankfully, James returned to the bench but wasn’t needed with L.A. up big midway through the fourth. Head coach JJ Redick wound up emptying the bench and the Lakers cruised to victory the rest of the way.
Doncic played 24 minutes in his debut, recording 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.
What’s next for the Lakers
The Lakers head on the road for a rematch against the Jazz on Wednesday before they get a much-needed reprieve during All-Star Weekend.
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