The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the sports world on Saturday evening when they traded for Luka Doncic. Nobody saw this coming, including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, or Doncic. The Mavericks targeted AD and pulled off one of the most stunning trades in sports history.
Luka solves many of the Lakers' issues. They now have their star for the post-LeBron era. Doncic turns 26 later this month and is just entering his prime. He has been first-team All-NBA for five straight years and just led Dallas to the NBA Finals last season. The Lakers need time to build around their new superstar, but this move was too good to pass up.
Fans will have to wait a bit to see Doncic’s first game in purple and gold. The superstar is currently recovering from a calf injury that has kept him out since Christmas Day. The timeline on his first game just got clarity.
Luka Doncic should play 1st game with the Lakers before the All-Star break
Doncic suffered a calf injury in the preseason, but he was ready to play on opening night. Multiple Injuries have limited him to just 22 games this season, including missing the last 19 with his latest calf issue.
Marc Stein reported Luka was on track to return on Feb. 8 before the Mavericks traded him. The Lakers host the Pacers on that day in an afternoon showdown in a contest with interesting storylines for Doncic. Indiana is coached by Rick Carlisle, who was the longtime leading man in Dallas. Doncic and Carlisle did not get along, which only adds a bit more spice to his potential debut.
Number 77 would love nothing more than to put on a show for his new franchise while sticking it to his former head coach. Luka should be back before the All-Star break and will be eager to keep the Lakers in playoff position in the loaded Western Conference.
Los Angeles has five more games before the break. If the Lakers are worried about Doncic’s conditioning or current injury, they may hold him out and give him an additional week to rest up. This is the first time since his rookie season that Luka was not selected for the All-Star team. His injuries are to blame but are a prime reason he is in LA.
The Lakers performed highway robbery by trading Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and one first-round pick for one of the best players in the world. Luka Doncic will soon be back from injury and motivated to prove he is the reason the Mavs just made the NBA Finals. Fans in LA should be ecstatic and the best is yet to come.
Los Angeles Lakers supporters will not want to miss the Feb. 8 showdown against the Indiana Pacers. The marquee matchup is on track to be Luka’s first game with the franchise. That alone makes it worth checking out. This is not set in stone, so stay tuned for the latest. Fans should not be worried about the injury as Doncic will soon return and should quickly be in peak form. Let the excitement build.