Luka Dončić is anticipated to make his Los Angeles Lakers debut on Monday night when they face the Utah Jazz (10:30 ET, NBA League Pass), according to coach JJ Redick. Dončić has been sidelined since Christmas due to a strained left calf. While Redick initially indicated that Dončić might be available for the Lakers’ game against Indiana on Saturday, he updated his prediction on Thursday prior to the Lakers’ matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
“It’s looking more likely for Monday,” Redick stated. “There’s no official commitment yet, but the signs are pointing toward Monday.”
Last weekend, the Lakers secured the Slovenian star in a significant trade that involved sending Anthony Davis to Dallas. Dončić took part in a 5-on-5 “stay-ready” session with his teammates and coaching staff on Wednesday, and Redick confirmed that Dončić has faced no setbacks in his recovery.
“All is going well. Everything is positive,” Redick remarked. “We hope to receive confirmation soon that he will be playing. Everyone is eager to see him in a Lakers jersey.”
Just four days after acquiring Dončić, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from the Mavericks, the Lakers further altered their roster by trading for 7-foot-2 center Mark Williams from Charlotte in exchange for rookie Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddick.
As the league had yet to officially approve the trade by Thursday night, Redick was unable to comment on Williams’ potential impact on the newly reshaped Lakers squad. The focus remains on ensuring a successful start with Dončić whenever he returns.
“We want him to feel confident,” Redick emphasized. “We also want our medical staff to be assured. We don’t want to rush this process. There’s a collective anticipation from the fans, as well as from our players and coaching staff. It’s important to recognize that we cannot expect everything to fall into place overnight. Once he’s ready to return, we will have work to do, and that will be an exciting challenge.”
