Luka Doncic made a grand entrance into his new role with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, tallying 14 points in a decisive 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz. Just over a week after his blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic took the court for the first time since suffering a calf injury on Christmas Day, drawing cheers from a packed arena.

Doncic played 24 minutes in total, contributing five rebounds and four assists while connecting well with teammates, particularly LeBron James, who scored 24 points in the game. As part of the new Lakers lineup, which included Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, Doncic seamlessly adapted to his surroundings, demonstrating his playmaking ability with an impressive assist to James.

Despite being on a minutes restriction due to his recent injury, Doncic’s performance highlighted his potential in the Lakers’ offensive scheme, showing flashes of his renowned passing prowess. His first points were a memorable three-pointer early in the first quarter, amidst a series of *“Luka! Luka!”* chants from the enthusiastic crowd, all wearing his jersey number.

The Lakers, riding a six-game winning streak and having won 10 of their last 11 games, capitalized on their lead, going into halftime with a comfortable 72-47 advantage. The Jazz struggled, marking their ninth consecutive road loss, with key players such as Lauri Markkanen and John Collins each managing 17 points but unable to close the gap.

Moreover, Doncic expressed his excitement about joining the team post-game, stating, “I was a little nervous before... but once I stepped on the court, it felt amazing.” The support from his new team and fanbase has been overwhelming, with Doncic sharing his gratitude for the warm welcome he received during his debut.

Looking ahead, Doncic and the Lakers are set to face the Jazz again on Wednesday, where fans will be eager to see how he builds on this promising start. This debut not only marked the beginning of Doncic's journey with the Lakers but also set high expectations for future collaborations, especially with an experienced player like LeBron James.

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