When will Luka Doncic debut with Lakers? Soon but not before his calf strain is completely healed

Los Angeles (AP) – Los Angeles Lakers’ Acquisition of Luka Doncic have changed the future of a franchise who had tried to push another championship race dares 40-year-old LeBron James’ partnership with Anthony Davis.

Lakers’ next decade suddenly looks much brighter with Doncic on the middle stage, and they could even fight for a ring this year if Doncic creates a quick connection with James. It is even more possible if Lakers can acquire a center to fill the massive void left by Davis.

Any big finish on this season begins only after Doncic returns to full strength and makes his laker’s debut.

The 25-year-old Slovenian goal scorer has not played since Christmas, and his absence has been long enough to prevent him from qualifying for the All-NBA team, as he has done in the last five consecutive seasons.

What is Luke’s Damage?

Doncic strained his left calf late in the second quarter of Mavericks’ loss to Minnesota. The injury was severe enough to leave Doncic clamped while the game continued without him before limping to the dressing room.

Doncic missed Mavs ‘next 19 games – and he had been back in Dallas’ lineup in only two matches before his latest injury. He had missed Mavs’ previous two matches with a fried left heel. Doncic has played in 70 games in one season just once since his rookie year in 2018-19.

When should fans expect Luka to play?

Laker’s General Manager Rob Pelinka said Doncic will participate in 5-to-5-practice exercises on Wednesday. After this training, Laker’s collaboration with Doncic’s personal training team will formulate a return plan.

Both Doncic and Lakers appear to be sure he will soon be in uniform, suggesting it could be before Lakers ends their current stretch of four matches in Los Angeles over the next seven days.

But Doncic said he has tried to treat this injury seriously after he routinely played through minor previous injuries, sometimes to his injury.

“For the first time, I took my time (to) to heal 100%,” Doncic said of his return. “Other times, I think I would just return to the right to play basketball and I really would (not) be healthy 100%. This time I just took my time, which was the normal time to get back to 100%. “

Lakers have time to do things right as there are still 34 games left in the regular season after visiting Clippers on Tuesday night.

“We take it one day at a time just to make sure the calf damage is in a good and safe place,” Pelinka said. “I really want to say at this point that he is day to day. We take it one step at a time, but if (all) goes well and Luca feels good and confident, he will be in a game soon. “

What will Lakers look out with Luka?

Their new superstar is almost certain to start with versatile Austin Reaves in Backcourt. He would take the place recently held by Max Christie, the young 3-and-D wing traded with Davis for Mavericks.

Christie moved into Lakers’ starting lineup on December 8th. Los Angeles has not made extensive use of a traditional Point Guard since Trade d’Angelo Russell December 29, although veteran Gabe Vincent is usually in the rotation.

James and Reaves start a lot of Lakers’ violation, but Doncic will definitely have the ball in his hands constantly. Unlike some Pundit’s opinions, it should be quite comfortable for James, who has expressed his desire to play off-ball more this season.

The most obvious place to put James and Doncic together are in pick-and-roll set. JJ Redick, who played with Doncic in Dallas, undoubtedly clings to the prospect of planning plays for these two top playmakers and creative scorers.

As for Lakers’ defense? Without Davis protects the edge, they will take a huge step behind. It’s not hard to imagine that James and Doncic are simply trying to outscore most teams – and this duo will often have the talent to do so.

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