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[Saba Sports News] Luka Doncic’s debut date with his new team has finally been set. The star guard is expected to make his first appearance for the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday at home against the Utah Jazz.
According to Turner Sports’ Jared Greenberg, the Lakers initially planned for Doncic to participate in a 5-on-5 practice on Wednesday, but that session was postponed to Friday.
As a result, his chances of playing in Saturday’s game against the Indiana Pacers diminished.
“I was told that he was supposed to partake in a 5-on-5 yesterday. However, that has been pushed till tomorrow. He’ll participate in a stay-ready game with his Laker teammates tomorrow,” Greenberg reported.
Doncic has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury on Christmas while playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Reports suggest that the Mavs grew frustrated with his conditioning, which may have factored into their shocking decision to trade him.
The Lakers entered play Thursday at 29-19, having won seven of their last eight games. Along with acquiring Doncic at the trade deadline, they also added center Mark Williams in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets.
Doncic was seen getting shots up during the Lakers’ practice on Wednesday. In 22 games with Dallas this season, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. The five-time first-team All-NBA selection is now set to bring his elite playmaking to Los Angeles.