Luka Doncic's Return Sparks Excitement Among Lakers Teammates as Mavericks Clash Approaches
As Luka Doncic readies for a return against the Mavericks, his new Lakers teammates express their enthusiasm and support for the upcoming game.
Just over three weeks after a trade that surprised the sports community, Luka Doncic and his new team, the Los Angeles Lakers, are set to face the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday evening. Doncic’s teammates and coaches expect him to be prepared and eager for this encounter with the franchise that recently traded him.
Doncic previously earned five All-NBA selections and led his former team to the NBA Finals, where he won the scoring title.
“I think he’ll be fine,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “It’s becoming a bit more normal every day. I remember how weird it felt the first time I played against my old team. But he’ll manage.”
February has seen plenty of significant changes for Doncic. He’s also trying to regain full fitness after a calf strain sidelined him for over six weeks.
Despite Doncic’s reticence to engage with the media post-practice, he showcased his potential by hitting a half-court shot after practice with Dorian Finney-Smith, another Lakers player and former teammate from Dallas.
“I believe he’s going to be excited, and everyone in the locker room is looking forward to the game,” Finney-Smith stated.
The matchup unfortunately won’t see both key players involved in the blockbuster trade, as Anthony Davis is recovering from a groin injury. Fans in Los Angeles hold a fond appreciation for Davis as much as Dallas fans cherish Doncic.
(Translation: Fans in Los Angeles love Davis as much as Doncic is loved in Dallas.)
A full reunion on the court will have to wait until at least April when the Lakers travel to Dallas. Doncic, who turns 26 this Friday, has played in just four games for the Lakers since returning from injury. He significantly contributed in last Saturday’s performance against the Nuggets, scoring 32 points with multiple assists and rebounds.
Rui Hachimura, a Lakers forward, mentioned, “When Luka made his first three-pointer, I knew he was back in form.” (Translation: Hachimura expressed confidence in Doncic’s return to form.)**
Prior to this, Doncic faced challenges in his outings, yet the Lakers remain supportive of him, believing in his capability to perform well again.
