JJ Redick Reveals Luka Doncic's Lakers Debut Timeline
By Cem Yolbulan
The Los Angeles Lakers were the biggest winners of the NBA trade deadline. They pulled off the impossible by trading for Luka Doncic and followed that up by bringing in young stud Mark Williams as their starting center.
After the massive moves by the front office, the fans are desperately hoping to see the new-look Lakers in action. Doncic hasn't played since suffering a calf injury on Christmas. He has been rehabbing ever since but is close to returning to action.
On Thursday, head coach JJ Redick provided the latest update on Doncic's status. He said that Doncic participated in the five-on-five scrimmage on Wednesday and is on track to make his return, per The Athletic's Jovan Buha.
JJ Redick says that Luka Doncic is more likely to make his Lakers debut on Monday vs. Utah than on Saturday vs. Indiana.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 7, 2025
He said his participation in the 5-on-5 stay-ready game yesterday was good and there have been no setbacks.
Luka Doncic Likely Making His Lakers Debut on Monday vs. Utah
Redick added that Doncic is likely to make his Lakers debut on Monday vs. Utah. Los Angeles hosts the Pacers on Saturday night, so that will be the earliest opportunity for the new Lakers star to play in front of the Crypto.com Arena crowd. While Redick didn't rule that possibility out, he identified the Jazz game at home as the more probable scenario for his debut.
After Monday night, the Lakers visit Utah on Wednesday for their last game before the All-Star break. This week-long break will allow Doncic to practice and build chemistry with his new teammates.
The Lakers are fifth in the Western Conference with a 29-19 record and 34 games left to play in the regular season. The return of Doncic will allow them to go on a run in the final stretch of the season and potentially clinch home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
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