Luka Doncic set to make his LA Lakers debut against Utah Jazz

Luka Doncic is expected to make his long-awaited debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night against the Utah Jazz, head coach JJ Redick confirmed.

The Slovenian superstar has been sidelined since Christmas due to a strained left calf. Initially, Redick had suggested that Doncic could return on Saturday against Indiana, but on Thursday night—before the Lakers’ matchup against the Golden State Warriors—he adjusted his prediction.

First look at Luka Doncic in his #Lakers threads.

(📸: @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/pmYlzWmbCd

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 6, 2025

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“Probably more likely Monday,” Redick said. “No commitment yet, but things are trending in that direction.”

Doncic joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks last weekend, with Anthony Davis heading the other way. The 25-year-old participated in a full 5-on-5 “stay-ready” game with his teammates and coaching staff on Wednesday, and Redick confirmed that Doncic has had no setbacks in his recovery.

“Everything is positive,” Redick said. “Hopefully, in the next few days, we’ll get the confirmation that he’s good to go. We all want to see him in a Lakers uniform.”

Just days after acquiring Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from Dallas, the Lakers continued reshaping their roster by bringing in 7-foot-2 center Mark Williams from Charlotte in exchange for rookie Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish. As of Thursday night, the trade had not yet been officially approved by the league, preventing Redick from discussing Williams’ potential impact.