Luka Doncic embraced by LeBron and LA in Memorable Laker’s debut

It was not any other night, not in the story of this season, not in this franchise story.

Before Luka Doncic played his first second as a varnish, his name and number of a t-shirt were killed over each seat in the building. His aura was inevitable, from the Serbian First Name Music to Brummer in the building every time his face appeared on the scoreboard.

It had been more than a week since Lakers shocked everyone by dealing with Doncic, a step that secured the organization its future. This was what people would see.

And among these people? LeBron James.

One day this will be Doncics Franchise, but Monday’s debut was just as much about the partnership between their two best players, No. 23 and No. 77, turning the building’s energy all the way to 100.

Before Lakers’ 132-113 Win Against Utah, James and Doncic gathered in the team’s hug after introductions. In particular, Doncic heard instead of James his name last. And if Doncic needed another reminder of how he was embraced, James gave it to him.

Lakers Guard Luka Doncic scores on a set up in front of Utah Jazz Guard Keyonte George in the first half Monday.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

“Don’t take care,” James told Doncic while addressing the team. “Mount f -ud. Be yourself. “

James’ enthusiasm for this was obvious. Prior name he warmed up in one of Doncic No. 77 -Giveaway shirts. On the field, he did not shoot for almost the first six minutes, seting the stage for the kind of team basketball that Lakers will play despite having two of the game’s best individual scores now in the same uniform.

In total, Doncic’s individual debut predictable moments of brilliance as stepback three to his first bucket, full court laser to James for the couple’s first connection and lockdown defensive possession on Jordan Clarkson. Others were signs of accumulated rust, Doncic missed six triangles and nine field goals in his first game since Christmas due to a veal. Before the game, coach JJ Redick said Doncic would be on a minute limit when Laker’s “ease” him back in NBA action. Monday in the blow -out he logged only 23 minutes.

He ended with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.

But around him, Lakers (32-19) was the kind of excellent they have been in the last 14 games. During this stretch, Lakers has won 12 times, lost only to Clippers and 76ers and discovers a toughness on both sides of the ball that has pushed them 13 games over .500.

On Monday, James was fantastic on both sides again and scored 24 but played with incredible defensive energy. Austin Reaves, fresh from a 45-point game on Saturday, scored only 22 on 10 shots while grabbing nine rebounds. Jaxson Hayes, Lakers’ new starting center, after Mark Williams failed his physical, scored 12 points on perfect six-of-six-six shooting. And Rui Hachimura had 21 points and six rebounds in a game Lakers led by as many as 34.

Lakers play Jazz Wednesday in Utah (12-40) in their last match before the All-Star break.