Lakers' Rob Pelinka Reveals More on When Luka Doncic Will Make Debut

The Los Angeles team president has offered a clue as to when the injured new superstar will suit up.
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA;  Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on as players warm up prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on as players warm up prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In this story:

In the midst of a presser to announce the Los Angeles Lakers' stunning new superstar addition of Luka Doncic, team vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has revealed L.A.'s tentative plan for when the injured guard will make his debut in the purple and gold, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

Read More: Lakers Make Shocking Trade, Land Luka Doncic from Mavericks for Anthony Davis

As McMenamin writes, Los Angeles is bringing Doncic's personal trainers into the fold on its own training staff. Doncic, who will miss the Lakers' clash against the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday, is set to partake in five-on-five team practice on Wednesday.

Pelinka anticipates that Doncic will make his Los Angeles debut at some point soon.

The 6-foot-6 guard, who has been named to five straight All-NBA First Teams and led his Mavericks to the NBA Finals just last season, was traded away from Dallas in part due to long-term fitness concerns. Doncic has been sidelined since a Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves with a calf strain.

Doncic was photographed holding up his new No. 77 Lakers jersey, alongside fellow ex-Mavericks Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, at their introductory press conference on Tuesday morning.

Los Angeles apparently isn't finished making moves as the February 6 trade deadline approaches, with Pelinka acknowledging a need for more frontcourt help following the offloading of 10-time All-Star center Anthony Davis in the Doncic deal.

Read More: Rob Pelinka Reveals Trade Plans to Improve Roster for 'JJ Redick's Vision'

Ditching Davis, a first ballot Hall of Famer and the imperative second banana to 21-time All-Star Lakers forward LeBron James during the team's most recent title run in 2020, was a shocking play by Pelinka. But it was also something of a no-brainer when the prize was Doncic.

The Slovenian superstar, still just 25, has had a "down" season in 2024-25 only by his own lofty standards.

Across 22 healthy bouts this year so far, Doncic has been averaging 28.1 points on .464/.354/.767 shooting splits, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 dimes and 2.0 steals a night.

Los Angeles will have to do its darnedest to string together some wins without Doncic or new center Maxi Kleber, who's out for a while with a broken foot. L.A.'s third new acquisition Dallas, former 2020 role player forward Markieff Morris, is available.

More Lakers:

Lakers' Rob Pelinka Reportedly Called LeBron James Immediately Following Anthony Davis Trade

First Look at Luka Doncic's New Lakers Jersey

For the latest Los Angeles Lakers news and notes, stay glued to Lakers On SI.


Published |Modified
Alex Kirschenbaum
ALEX KIRSCHENBAUM

Basketball is Alex's favorite sport, he likes the way they dribble up and down the court.