Lakers rout Jazz in Luka Dončić's debut

By Reuters

Luka Doncic in action for the Los Angeles Lakers. Photo: AFP

Luka Dončić produced 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in his Los Angeles Lakers debut and LeBron James added 24 points, seven rebounds and eight assists as the newly-formed star duo led the way to a 132-113 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz.

Austin Reaves logged 22 points and nine rebounds, and Rui Hachimura added 21 points as the Lakers extended their winning streak to six games while coming out on top for the 10th time in the past 11 games.

Jordan Goodwin scored 17 points in his second game with Los Angeles.

Dončić, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal on February 2, played for the first time since Christmas Day, having recovered from a left calf strain.

He was on the court for 24 minutes and shot five of 14 from the floor, including one of seven from three-point range.

Lauri Markkanen and John Collins each scored 17 points, and Jordan Clarkson added 16 as the Jazz saw their road losing streak reach nine games.

Dončić had one turnover and one missed shot just over two minutes into the game before making his first basket in a Lakers uniform on a three-pointer with 8:05 remaining in the opening quarter.

The Lakers led 37-25 after one quarter and were well in control by half-time, going into the locker room up 72-47.

Reaves had 15 points before the break, James added 13 and Dončić had 11.

The Lakers' only reason for concern came early in the fourth quarter when James went to the locker room briefly due to abdominal discomfort.

He returned to the bench with just over eight minutes remaining but was out for the rest of the game.

- Reuters