Luka Doncic began his probable debut day with the Los Angeles Lakers by donating $500,000 for fire recovery efforts in his new community.

The Slovenian star stepped onto the field after being upgraded to probable a few hours before the Lakers’ home match against the Utah Jazz tomorrow night. Coach JJ Redick expressed optimism last week that Doncic would be ready to play at home against the Jazz, who acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks in a significant trade involving Anthony Davis and Max Christie.

Doncic missed playing since Christmas due to a strained left calf; however, he participated in practice with his new team last week. He made a noticeable impact in Los Angeles by donating money for recovery efforts concerning wildfires that devastated parts of Southern California last month.

“It’s been so sad to see and learn more about the damage from the wildfires as I landed in LA. I can’t believe it, and I feel for all the kids who lost their homes, schools, and the places where they used to play with their friends. Today, my foundation is donating $500,000 to immediate recovery efforts. I also commit to helping rebuild courts, playgrounds, and fields that were destroyed, because every kid needs a safe place to play.”
Translation: “It has been devastating to witness the extent of the wildfires’ destruction since arriving in Los Angeles. My heart goes out to all those affected, especially the children who have lost their safe spaces.”

He signed off his message as “Your new neighbor.”

Doncic’s donation is directed to the Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, with further significant contributions planned over the next two years aimed at reconstructing children’s play areas, according to a spokesperson.

The Lakers have been performing exceptionally well, winning five straight games and 11 of 13, even before Doncic’s arrival, following Austin Reaves’ career-high 45 points against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday without Doncic or LeBron James, who took a rest due to an ankle issue.

Doncic has been a spectator for the last three Lakers games from the bench since landing in Los Angeles a week ago, keenly observing Reaves’ outstanding performance while seated beside LeBron James, often referred to as his idol.