LOS ANGELES – Luka Doncic is now anticipated to make his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday evening towards the Utah Jazz, coach JJ Redick says.
Doncic hasn’t performed since Christmas on account of a strained left calf. Redick initially urged Doncic might play for the Lakers on Saturday towards Indiana, however revised his forecast Thursday evening earlier than the Lakers hosted the Golden State Warriors.
“In all probability extra probably Monday,” Redick mentioned. “No dedication made on something, however in all probability trending extra towards Monday.”
The Lakers acquired the Slovenian celebrity final weekend, giving up Anthony Davis in a blockbuster commerce with Dallas. Doncic participated in a 5-on-5 “stay-ready” recreation with teammates and the Lakers’ teaching employees Wednesday, and Redick mentioned Doncic has skilled no setbacks in his restoration from the calf harm.
“All is effectively. All is constructive,” Redick mentioned. “Hopefully we get the phrase in some unspecified time in the future within the subsequent few days that he’s going to play. All of us wish to see him in a Laker uniform.”
4 days after buying Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from the Mavericks, the Lakers continued their roster overhaul Wednesday evening by buying 7-foot-2 heart Mark Williams from Charlotte in a commerce for rookie Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddick.
The league nonetheless hadn’t formally authorized the commerce Thursday evening, which meant Redick could not discuss in regards to the potential affect of Williams on Los Angeles’ dramatically revamped roster. The Lakers are extra targeted on getting off to begin with Doncic, every time that will occur.
“We would like him to really feel assured,” Redick mentioned. “We would like our medical employees to really feel assured. We do not wish to rush something right here. I believe we’re all anticipating that. I do know the followers are anticipating that, and definitely our gamers and our teaching employees are anticipating that. I believe the one factor all of us have at the back of our thoughts as we have shifted and needed to recalibrate right here within the final week — we’re not going to have the ability to simply snap our fingers and it is all going to work instantly. There’s work to be carried out as soon as he is wholesome and again within the lineup, and that is going to be enjoyable.”
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