NBA: Luka Doncic makes quiet debut as Lakers sail past Jazz
Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks to make a long pass down court in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Luka Doncic produced 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in his Los Angeles Lakers debut and LeBron James added 24 points, seven rebounds and eight assists as the newly formed star duo led the way to a 132-113 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz in the NBA on Monday.
Austin Reaves logged 22 points and nine rebounds and Rui Hachimura added 21 points as the Lakers extended their winning streak to six games while coming out on top for the 10th time in the past 11 games. Jordan Goodwin scored 17 points in his second game with Los Angeles.
READ: NBA: Luka Doncic hungry to win titles with Lakers
Doncic, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal on Feb. 2, played for the first time since Christmas Day, having recovered from a left calf strain. He was on the court for 24 minutes and shot 5 of 14 from the floor, including 1 of 7 from 3-point range.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) confers with teammates forward LeBron James, left, and forward Rui Hachimura during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lauri Markkanen and John Collins each scored 17 points and Jordan Clarkson added 16 as the Jazz saw their road losing streak reach nine games. Johnny Juzang scored 14 points as Utah lost its third consecutive game overall and fell for the 12th time in its last 14 contests.
Collins, who had 11 rebounds, joined Isaiah Collier, who amassed 13 points and 10 assists, each posted a double-double for Utah.
READ: NBA: LeBron calls Luka Doncic ‘my favorite player,’ stunned by trade
Doncic had one turnover and one missed shot just over two minutes into the game before making his first basket in a Lakers uniform on a 3-pointer with 8:05 remaining in the opening quarter.
Luka Dončić's first game as a Laker is in the books!
14 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 6th straight Lakers W
Just getting started on his new era in Los Angeles 🌴 pic.twitter.com/hsW0Nxao4F
— NBA (@NBA) February 11, 2025
The Lakers led 37-25 after one period and were well in control by halftime, going into the locker room up 72-47. Reaves had 15 points before the break, James added 13 and Doncic had 11. The Lakers shot 60 percent over the opening two quarters, while the Jazz were at 40 percent.
Los Angeles opened the fourth quarter with a 100-75 lead and cruised to their third victory in three tries against Utah. The teams face each other for the final time this season on Wednesday in Salt Lake City.
The Lakers’ only reason for concern came early in the fourth quarter when James went to the locker room briefly due to abdominal discomfort. He returned to the bench with just over eight minutes remaining but remained out for the rest of the game. –Field Level Media
