Luka Dončić made his first appearance with the Lakers on February 10, 2025, helping the team secure a convincing 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. The high-profile trade that brought him to Los Angeles on February 2 had already made waves across the NBA, and the long-awaited moment had finally arrived.

Having been sidelined since Christmas with a left calf strain, Dončić returned to action in style. Playing just 24 minutes, he recorded 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists. His first points came from a signature step-back three-pointer early in the first quarter, electrifying the home crowd.

Before the game, LeBron James offered Dončić some inspiring words: “Luka, be your f-king self. Don’t fit in, fit the f-k out. Be yourself.”

The Lakers’ offense was firing on all cylinders. James led the charge with 24 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Austin Reaves contributed 22 points and nine rebounds, while Rui Hachimura added 21 points. The victory extended the Lakers’ win streak to six games, signaling that the team is peaking at the right moment.

The atmosphere inside Crypto.com Arena was charged with excitement, as fans eagerly anticipated the pairing of Dončić and James. Dirk Nowitzki, Dončić’s former mentor in Dallas, was also present to support him during the game.

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

Following the win, Dončić expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from his teammates and fans. He also acknowledged LeBron’s thoughtful gesture of giving him the spotlight during player introductions, a small act that highlighted the budding chemistry between the two.

The Lakers’ decision to acquire Dončić, sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas, is being remembered as one of the most surprising mid-season trades in NBA history. Swapping two All-NBA players during the season is an uncommon move.

With Dončić and James now leading the team, the Lakers are starting a new chapter. The big question now is how far this dynamic duo can take the team.