The Los Angeles Lakers’ newest superstar, Luka Doncic, will have to wait a little longer before making his highly anticipated debut in purple and gold. The Slovenian sensation has officially been ruled out for Friday’s interconference showdown against the Indiana Pacers, as he continues recovering from a left calf strain.
Lakers Fans Await Luka Doncic’s Debut
Despite being sidelined, the buzz surrounding Doncic’s arrival in LA has reached a fever pitch. After his blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks, Lakers fans have been eagerly counting down the days until they see him don their iconic jersey. While many hoped to witness his debut against the Pacers, coach JJ Redick hinted at a more probable return date.
“Probably more likely Monday,” Redick revealed when asked about Doncic’s debut. “No commitment made on anything, but probably trending more toward Monday. All is well. All is positive. Hopefully, we get the word at some point in the next few days that he is going to play. We all want to see him in a Laker uniform.”
Doncic’s first game with the Lakers is now expected to come on Monday, Feb. 12, against the Utah Jazz.
Doncic Making Steady Progress in Recovery
The five-time All-Star has been out of action since suffering a left calf strain during a Christmas Day matchup between the Mavericks and Timberwolves. However, the latest reports indicate he has been making steady progress without any setbacks.
On Friday, the Lakers shared a promising update by posting a video of Doncic working on his 3-point shooting alongside the team’s trainers. This footage only fueled excitement among fans who are eager to see how he fits alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the Lakers’ star-studded lineup.
Coach Redick emphasized that the franchise is prioritizing Doncic’s health over a rushed return:
“We want him to feel confident. We want our medical staff to feel confident. We don’t want to rush anything here. I think we’re all anticipating that. I know the fans are anticipating that, and certainly our players and our coaching staff are anticipating that.”
How to Watch Lakers vs. Pacers
While Doncic won’t be suiting up tonight, Lakers fans can still catch the team in action against the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
- Date: Friday, Feb. 8
- Tip-off Time: 4 p.m. EST (1 p.m. PT)
- Broadcast: Spectrum SportsNet, FanDuel Sports Network
- Streaming: NBA League Pass, FuboTV (regional restrictions may apply)
Though Doncic’s debut is on hold, the Lakers will look to gain momentum as they prepare for his arrival on Monday. Stay tuned for further updates as Luka-mania officially kicks off in LA!
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