Source – Lakers targeted Monday to Luka Doncics debut

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  • Dave McMenamine6. February 2025, 22:07 one one

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    • Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
    • Covered Lakers and NBA for Espnlosangeles.com from 2009-14, Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and NBA for NBA..com from 2005-09.

Los Angeles – Luka Doncic targets Monday against his Los Angeles Laker’s debut when LA hosts Utah Jazz, a source familiar with Doncic’s plans, confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.

Doncic, who was sidelined for Dallas Mavericks since Christmas Day with a left calf strain, participated in a 5-to-5-scrimmage after Lakers rehearsed Wednesday with LA’s “Stay Ready” group consisting of end-of-bonch players and coaches .

“It went well,” said Laker’s trainer JJ Redick about the review before hosting the Golden State Warriors. “I think (his first game will be) probably, more likely, Monday. Again, no commitment done or anything, but probably trends more toward Monday.”

Doncic’s plans were previously reported by veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein.

Before the review, sources of ESPN told Doncic was “trending to” a Saturday debut against Indiana Pacers, but these plans have been adjusted.

Redick added that there was “no setback” during Doncic’s on-Court session on Wednesday, and the 25-year-old star also worked and lifted weights on Thursday.

“All is well, all is positive,” Redick said. “And hopefully we get the floor at some point in the new few days that he has to play. We all want to see him in a lacquer uniform.”

Los Angeles won his first game after the trade that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas 122-97 over La Clippers on Tuesday, with Doncic eye from the bench in a black Lakers course suit.

Redick was also asked what Doncic and the team are considering clearing him to return.

“With regard to an evaluation, we want him to feel confident, we want our medical staff to feel confident,” Redick said. “We don’t want to hurry here and we all expect that – I know the fans expect it, and definitely our coaching staff and our players expect it. And I think the one thing we all have in Our minds, as we have changed and had to calibrate in the last week, we are unable to click on our fingers and it will all work right away.

“There is work that needs to be done when he is back and healthy and in the lineup and it will be fun. It will be fun to find out it all together.”