NBA: Doncic debut discreet in the beating of the Lakers to Utah

Doncic received a tremendous ovation when entering the track of a delivered audience that wore thousands of golden t -shirts with its name and the number 77. The first basket of the Slovenian star was a triple in the first minutes with its second launch for the Lakers.

The Slovenian did not play for almost seven weeks for a distension in the left calf during an encounter with the Mavericks Christmas day.

“It was special. The way everyone received me: the colleagues, the directive, all those who are here. I have heard a lot of noise when they introduced me … so I appreciate it very much, It was a special moment“He said in statements to ESPN as soon as he finished the game. The Slovenian said that the message he received from his coach JJ Redick and LeBron James was simple: “Be yourself”.

After a full week to adapt and recover its full form, Doncic joined James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes as headlines. The Lakers have won five duels in a row and 11 of 13, even before adding to their squad to the player chosen five times to the All-NBA.

The coach JJ Redickwho played with Doncic for 13 games in 2021 with Dallas, was eager to see what Doncic would do in his highly anticipated debut with his new team. “The level of emotion is high,” said Redick. “I don’t think anything in our approach or game plan for Utah changes. It is always a challenge to integrate during the season, and we have to be able to give us patience mutually for that.”

Doncic did not disappoint: his first touch of the ball was an Alley-Oop assistance to Hayes and scored his triple moments later. The fans went crazy, with shouts of: “Luka! Luka!” That crowd included Dirk Nowitzkiwho coincided with Doncic for a season in Dallas and served as his mentor.

Doncic seemed to be the natural heir of German in Dallas, until the current general manager of the MAVs, Nico Harrisonhe decided otherwise.

“I think the best thing is now to reimburse Luka gradually in the NBA action,” said Redick. “I think if it depended on Luka, I would probably play 48 minutes, but we are thinking in the long term and we want to be safe.”

The attendees received a Doncic shirt to commemorate the occasion, including James, who warmed before the game with the golden shirt number 77.

Doncic was followed by dozens of cameras while heating for about 10 minutes before the game, and the sand The Lakers played the Serbian music that he prefers for training prior to the clash The Lakers presented him last before the game, giving him the place normally reserved for James, which led to another public’s ovation.

Doncic began the day with a donation of $ 500,000 to help with the damage caused by uncontrolled forest fires that devastated parts of southern California last month, including Pacific Palisadeswhere Redick’s house was lost.

“It has been very sad to see and learn more about the damage of forest fires since I arrived at the,” Doncic wrote in the social networks channels of its Luka Doncic Foundation. “I cannot believe it and I feel for all the children who lost their homes, schools and the places where they used to play with their friends. Today, my foundation is donating $ 500,000 to the immediate recovery efforts. I am also committed to helping to rebuild courts, playgrounds and fields that were destroyed, because each child needs a safe place to play. “

“To all those affected by these fires: we are here to help, now already long term.” Doncic signed his note with the message: “Your new neighbor.”

Doncic’s initial donation is destined for the fire recovery fund of the Community Foundation. It also plans to donate “significant additional funds for the next two years” with an approach to the reconstruction of children’s play spaces, according to a spokesman.