NBA: Lakers Secure Big Win in Dončić’s Official Debut
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a dominant 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz in Slovenian star Luka Dončić’s first official game with the team. Dončić joined the Lakers earlier this month from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade that sent Lakers star Anthony Davis in the opposite direction. The game took place on Monday as part of the NBA regular season.
Dončić was also making his first appearance since Christmas in December, having been sidelined for nearly two months due to a calf injury. In his 24 minutes on the court, he recorded 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while LeBron James led the team with 24 points. Before the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick stated he would be cautious with Dončić due to his recent injury.
Lakers fans held their breath when Dončić requested medical attention for his calf and briefly left for the locker room. However, he returned to the court and played until late in the third quarter, with his team comfortably leading 93-69.
Reflecting on his warm reception from Lakers fans, Dončić said, “I received an amazing welcome from the fans and my teammates. I heard a loud cheer when I was introduced, and that made me really happy.”
He added, “Our team is going to be dangerous. The ball moves quickly between players, and I’m really excited to be on the court.”
Dončić also highlighted his developing chemistry with 40-year-old LeBron James, stating, “He sees the game differently because of his incredible basketball IQ. Having two players of this caliber on the court will definitely benefit our team.”
Before his trade, Dončić averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game for Dallas in 22 out of 49 games this season due to multiple injuries. He now hopes to bring those impressive numbers to his new team. With this win, the Lakers improved their record to 32 wins and 19 losses, ranking fourth in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers maintained their grip on the Eastern Conference lead with a 128-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite a 44-point performance by Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, which included eight three-pointers. Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Donovan Mitchell added 23 points and Darius Garland scored 17. Cleveland now boasts a 43-10 record.
In other action, the Boston Celtics overcame an early 11-point deficit to defeat the Miami Heat 103-85, led by Jayson Tatum’s 33 points. The defending champions strengthened their hold on second place in the Eastern Conference with 38 wins and 16 losses.
Stephen Curry guided the Golden State Warriors to a 125-111 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 38 points, including eight three-pointers. Newcomer Jimmy Butler contributed 20 points, while Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 38 points, following his 43-point outing against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
French star Victor Wembanyama prepared for the upcoming All-Star Game in the best way possible, scoring 31 points (including five three-pointers from eight attempts) and grabbing 15 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 131-121 victory over the Washington Wizards. De’Aaron Fox, who recently joined the team from the Sacramento Kings, also contributed 30 points.
Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his scoring dominance, recording 31 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 137-101 blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Aaron Wiggins added 24 points. The Thunder now lead the Western Conference with a league-best 43-9 record, maintaining a comfortable gap over second-place Memphis Grizzlies (35-17).
