Luka Doncic’s LA Lakers debut is formally within the books and he’s off to a profitable begin, with the workforce beating Utah Jazz 132-113 in entrance of a raucous dwelling crowd.
LeBron James top-scored for the Los Angeles Lakers with 24 factors however all eyes had been on Luka Doncic, coming back from an harm that final noticed him put on the colours of the Dallas Mavericks.
After witnessing Anthony Davis’ Mavs debut finish in a nightmare, the Lakers followers had been ready in quiet trepidation for Doncic to make his transfer.
Happily, the Lakers had been out of sight quickly which allowed JJ Redick to handle his handle his minutes and ease him again into motion.
Nonetheless, regardless of Doncic’s debut, it was one other participant totally who ascended to celebrity standing after a blinding show vs the Jazz.
Doncic was put into the beginning lineup straight away and he started exhibiting why the Mavs followers had been aghast on the commerce, discovering Jaxson Hayes for a lob quickly after.
The world erupted after a couple of minutes when Doncic banked in his first triple as an LA Laker, undoubtedly the primary of many.
He would cool off a bit and never hit one other 3PT shot, going 1/7 from three, however hit all three of his free throws for 14 factors, including 5 rebounds and 4 assists within the course of.
Most of his minutes on the court docket had been spent with LeBron James and lob threats within the type of Rui Hachimura and Hayes so he may construct chemistry along with his new teammates.
This was extra of an appetizer for the Lakers fan than a full meal, which can undoubtedly come later however within the meantime, the followers discovered their bonafide third star subsequent to James and Doncic.
Austin Reaves went undrafted in 2021 and has been with the LA Lakers since however no one fairly anticipated him to be as essential a contributor as he’s change into.
In opposition to the Jazz, with all eyes on Doncic and the way he pairs up with James, Reaves stood up and made himself counted because the third star for the Lakers.
He completed the sport with 22 factors, simply behind James, however had the best +/- on the workforce with 27 due to his all-around contributions.
He went 7/7 from FTs and added 9 rebounds, 4 assists, one steal, and one block in a show that retains up his burgeoning fame this season.
With Anthony Davis gone, the Lakers want extra defensive tenacity from their guards to make up for his absence and Reaves gave a glimpse of it straightaway.
Most significantly, he did so with out sacrificing his offensive repertoire however then once more, that’s simply what superstars do. That’s what Reaves has change into now.
Doncic has two world-class teammates as a substitute of 1!
