How Luka Doncic’s Lakers debut ranks in recent NBA history
The highly anticipated debut of Luka Doncic with the Lakers came on Monday night against the Utah Jazzin a 132-113 victoryin Los Angeles.
Lakers fans gave Doncic a rousing ovation when his name was called out last — after LeBron James– to introduce the starting lineups. The five-time NBA All-Star, playing under a minutes restriction in his first action since Christmas Day, had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in 14 minutes.
The Lakers acquired Doncic in a blockbuster trade on Feb. 2 from the Dallas Mavericks, sending shockwaves around the sports world.
Here’s a look back at other highly anticipated NBA debuts since 2000 that came after a trade or free agency signing.
Anthony Davis with Los Angeles Lakers: Oct. 22, 2019
Stats: 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks
Game result: 112-102 loss vs. LA Clippers
After a trade saga that began during the 2018-19 season, the Lakers acquired Davis in the offseason, creating a new duo alongside James.
Davis’ debut came against the Clippers, who stole headlines from the Davis trade by teaming Paul George and Kawhi Leonard — more on him soon — together to also contend for a title. Those respective moves created a memorable atmosphere for Davis’ first game as a Laker.
The 6-foot-10 center had 25 points on 9-of-21 shooting, becoming one of three teammates to score 20 points in his team debut alongside James.
Kawhi Leonard with LA Clippers: Oct. 22, 2019
Stats: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
Game result: 112-102 win vs. Lakers
Leonard’s debut with the Clippers came only months after he led the Toronto Raptors to the NBA championship. Leonard signed with the Clippers in free agency in an offseason shocker.
He looked the part in his first game with the franchise. Leonard had 16 points in the second quarter, hitting seven straight shots as part of a 40-point quarter for the Clippers.
Stats: 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
Game result: 129-100 loss vs. San Antonio Spurs
Durant’s decision to sign with the Warriors in 2016 is one of the more memorable free agent moves in NBA history. His fit alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson made his eventual debut with the team highly anticipated.
However, San Antonio played spoiler with an impressive victory on the road. The Spurs were up 18 at the half in a matchup with only two lead changes. Durant still performed at a high level with a team-high 27 points along with 10 rebounds. He called the loss