Luka Dončić appreciative of support from Lakers fans, Dirk Nowitzki in debut
In his Lakers debut, Luka Dončić felt the love from the fans in attendance as well as friend and mentor Dirk Nowitzki.
Luka Dončić made his highly anticipated Lakers debut on Monday against the Jazz. He wasn’t sensational in his first game for L.A., but the team still cruised to victory, defeating Utah 132-113.
The excitement inside the stadium was tangible. Luka received cheers every time he appeared on the jumbotron or touched the ball. Even with a blowout win in hand, the Laker faithful were just excited that he finally played a game for their team, making the unbelievable trade finally feel real.
After the contest, Dončić spoke with the media, discussing what it meant for fans to greet him in such a grand way during his first game as a Laker.
“Big, big support,” Luka said. “Like I said, when I was introduced, everybody was cheering. I appreciate the Lakers putting all my jerseys out. It was unbelievable to do that and I really appreciate it.”
Everyone in attendance received a Dončić 77 jersey and chants of “Luka! Luka!” were recited all night long. Part of that crowd of fans included Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki.
I will always be a Mav for life, but had to come support my guy 77 @luka7doncic in the first game of his new chapter!
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) February 11, 2025
The Hall-of-Famer, who has a close relationship with Dončić, felt inclined to support the rookie he played with during his final NBA season. Afterward, Luka was asked what it meant to have him in attendance.
“A lot man,” Dončić said. “Just for him to show up, [he’s a] great friend, always looked up to him, great mentor. So for him to show up, fly all the way from Dallas, was amazing and I really, really appreciate it.”
It seems everyone knew how historic this was. Luka has already witnessed what it’s like to have L.A. on your side. When things are well, you get showered with praise, the world stops for you and even the Hollywood sign will show you the respect and love you deserve.
If he just plays the way he did during his years in Dallas, there will certainly be more nights like this in Luka’s future. And hopefully, whenever he does wins the title for the Lakers, Dirk can be in attendance, watching his rook become everything he’d hoped he’d be.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.