Luka Doncics debut for the Lakers on their home court was everything hed dreamed of and more.
Before tip off in the Lakers huddle, Doncics new teammate LeBron had a message for him:
Luka, be your f***ing self. Dont fit in, fit the f**k out. Be yourself.
Luka was asked about the moment following his first Lakers outing, which was a 132-113 win over the Jazz.
For him to say something like that just feels amazing, he said. It gives me confidence. And after that speech, it was chills. I was just happy to be a part of it.
LeBron also graciously let Lukas name be called out last to a roaring Crypto.com arena crowd, something that is usually reserved for the King himself.
He let me have my moment, so I really appreciate it, Doncic said. I mean, today, he lent me this one. But from now on, hell be the last.
In his first game since Christmas Day, Luka dropped 14 points, five rebounds and four assists and admitted he had nerves before the game for the first time in a long time.
I was a little bit nervous before, Doncic said. I dont remember the last time I was nervous before the game. But once I stepped on the court, it was fun. And just being out there again felt amazing.
The lack of match fitness was certainly there and some rushed shots from three showed a little rust since he went 5-14 from the field and 1-7 from three-point range, but what was obvious was an instant click between Doncic and his new teammates.
Its a new team. New everything, the Slovenian superstar said. But the way they helped me, teammates, Rob, [Lakers chief executive officer and governor Jeanie [Buss], it was just a lot of support for me. You could see when I came to the arena, I saw all the Luka jerseys. It was just a surreal feeling.
