Luka Doncic feels Lakers fans’ love: ‘I was a little nervous’

LOS ANGELES — Luka Dončić did not disappoint the fans in attendance at Crypto.com Arena for his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He was one of seven players to score in double figures as the Lakers beat up the Utah Jazz 132-113 Monday night in Los Angeles.

Dončić was given the stamp of approval from the fan base, who cheered for the Slovenian throughout the evening. Most of the fans in attendance wore the shirt with his last name and jersey number (No. 77), which were left at their seats before the game.

After the game, Dončić reflected on the evening and called the moments before the game as his favorite part of the night. Dončić received a text message from LeBron James in the morning about the decision to have the guard introduced last in the starting lineup.

‘It was special the way they received me,’ Dončić said. ‘It was amazing to see. I was a little nervous before. I can’t remember the last time I was nervous before the game, but once I stepped out on the court it was fun being out there again. It felt amazing.’

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There was a sense of a new beginning for the Lakers, with fans cheering for Dončić every time he touched the ball and even chanting his name while he was sitting on the bench. The guard brought the crowd to their feet on several occasions with his playmaking ability.

Among those in attendance for the Lakers’ new star was Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, singer Adele and actor Will Ferrell.

Dončić was in the starting lineup alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Jaxon Hayes but was on a minute restriction as he continues to work his way back from a calf injury. He recorded his first assist less than a minute into the game on an alley-oop dunk shot by Jaxson Hayes and scored his first points on a three-ball three minutes later – the only 3-point shot he would hit all night.

His shots weren’t as crisp as they usually are – he shot only 35.7% from the field and a paltry 14.3% from 3-point range – but the five-time All-Star hadn’t seen any game action since his calf injury during a Christmas Day game with the Mavericks.

The Lakers (32-19) acquired Dončić as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas.

Dalton Knecht returns to Lakers

While the Lakers’ starting lineup featured Dončić and James, Mark Williams was notably absent. The Lakers acquired the center from the Charlotte Hornets before the trade deadline, but Los Angeles rescinded the deal over the weekend after Williams failed a physical.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Hornets have been in contact with the NBA to dispute the assessment of Williams.

With the trade rescinded, Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish returned to the Lakers. Knecht returned to Los Angeles on Sunday night but did not play in Monday night’s game. Reddish remains away from the team as he spends time with his family after the birth of his child.

Coach JJ Redick said he is “very confident” in the team’s current rotation at center, but the Lakers will still have an opportunity to explore the buyout market.

Hayes has served as the team’s starting center after trading away Davis.

Lakers’ injury report

LeBron James headed back to the locker room with the athletic trainer after checking out of the game during the fourth quarter. He was grimacing in pain while holding his midsection.

He returned to the bench shortly after but did not return to the court with the game well in hand.

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