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Luka Dončić Just Played His First Lakers Game—Here’s What Happened

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 9:31 AM ET

Luka Dončić officially suited up in purple and gold for the first time on February 10, 2025, leading the Lakers to a dominant 132-113 win over the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. The blockbuster trade that brought him to L.A. on February 2 had already shaken up the NBA, and now, the moment everyone had been waiting for had arrived.

Sidelined since Christmas with a left calf strain, Dončić made his return in style. In just 24 minutes of action, he put up 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists. His first bucket? A signature step-back three early in the first quarter—sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Before tip-off, LeBron James made sure Dončić knew exactly how to approach his Lakers debut.

"Luka, be your f-king self. Don’t fit in, fit the f-k out. Be yourself," James told him in the pre-game huddle.

"Luka, be your f---ing self. Don't fit in, fit the f--- out."

-LeBron to Luka ️ pic.twitter.com/qj8Tbk8M8R
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 11, 2025

The Lakers’ offense was clicking on all levels. James led the charge with 24 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Austin Reaves added 22 points and nine rebounds, while Rui Hachimura poured in 21 points. The win marked the Lakers’ sixth straight, proving that this squad is hitting its stride at the right time.

The energy inside Crypto.com Arena was electric, with fans eager to witness the dawn of a new superstar duo. Even Dirk Nowitzki, Dončić’s former mentor in Dallas, was in attendance to support his guy.

"I will always be a Mav for life, but had to come support my guy 77 @luka7doncic in his first game," Nowitzki posted on social media.

I will always be a Mav for life, but had to come support my guy 77 @luka7doncic in the first game of his new chapter!
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) February 11, 2025

After the game, Dončić reflected on the moment, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome from both his teammates and the fans. He also appreciated LeBron giving him the spotlight during player introductions—a small but meaningful gesture that showcased the chemistry brewing between the two stars.

The Lakers' decision to trade for Dončić—sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas—will go down as one of the most shocking mid-season moves in NBA history. Swapping two All-NBA talents in the middle of a season? A rare event.

Now, with Dončić and James leading the way, the Lakers are entering a new chapter. The only question left: Just how far can this duo take them?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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