Redick: Doncic trending towards Lakers debut Monday vs. Jazz
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is eyeing Monday versus the Utah Jazz as Luka Doncic's debut with his new team.
"No commitment made on anything, but probably trending more towards Monday," Redick told reporters Thursday. "No setbacks. He looked good yesterday. Got another workout in today, got a lift in today. 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."
Doncic has missed the last 20 games due to a calf injury he suffered on Christmas Day.
The five-time All-Star began five-on-five practice this week and is progressing well, Stein adds.
Doncic, 25, was the focal point of the NBA deadline's biggest deal, which saw Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round selection shipped to the Dallas Mavericks.
The star guard stewarded Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals. He was averaging 28.1 points, 7.8 assists, and 8.3 rebounds in 22 games this season before the trade.
Doncic told reporters Tuesday he wasn't sure why the Mavericks moved him. He also said he'd take "the high road" after Dallas general manager Nico Harrison claimed he was worried the Slovenian wouldn't ink a super-max extension this summer.
The Lakers also brought in center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets at the deadline, trading Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and a future first-rounder.
Los Angeles will next play the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers before Monday's contest. The 29-19 Lakers are fifth in the West.