Luka Doncic Has Quiet Debut as Lakers Dominate Jazz
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Utah Jazz 132-113 on Monday thanks to the contributions of Luka Doncic, who made his debut with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists, and LeBron James, who finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.
With 22 points and nine rebounds from Austin Reaves and 21 points from Rui Hachimura, the Lakers won for the tenth time in their last 11 games, extending their winning run to six games.
In his second game with the Los Angeles, Jordan Goodwin scored 17 points.
After recovering from a left calf strain, Doncic, who was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a huge deal on February 2, made his first appearance since Christmas Day.
During his twenty-four minutes on the court, he made five of fourteen shots from the field, including one of seven three-pointers.
Jordan Clarkson scored 16 points and Lauri Markkanen and John Collins both scored 17, bringing the Jazz’s road losing record to nine games. With 14 points from Johnny Juzang, Utah suffered its third straight defeat overall and its 12th loss in its past 14 games.
Isaiah Collier, who finished with 13 points and 10 assists, and Collins, who pulled down 11 rebounds, both recorded double-doubles for Utah.
Just over two minutes into the game, Doncic had already committed one foul and missed one shot.
With 8:05 left in the first quarter, he made his first basket while wearing a Lakers uniform, a 3-pointer.
After one period, the Lakers had a 37–25 lead and were in complete control by the half, leading 72–47 as they entered the locker room.
Before the half, Doncic had eleven points, James had thirteen, and Reaves had fifteen.
During the first two quarters, the Lakers shot 60% while the Jazz only shot 40%.
Los Angeles led 100-75 at the beginning of the fourth quarter and easily defeated Utah for the third time in three tries.
On Wednesday in Salt Lake City, the teams will play each other for the last time this season.
James’ quick trip to the locker room early in the fourth quarter because of stomach pain was the only thing that worried the Lakers.
With just over eight minutes left, he came back to the bench, but he didn’t play again.
