What to expect in Luka's Lakers debut
The Mavericks' first game in Dallas since trading Luka Doncic wasn't exactly a festive environment. Protests and angry chants directed at the front office and ownership overshadowed the product on the court.
But it should be a different atmosphere when Doncic, who's been sidelined with a calf injury since Christmas Day, makes his Lakers debut.
Los Angeles is a 12.5-point favorite for Monday night's home matchup against the Jazz. Doncic's point total is 27.5 on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, while his assist and rebound totals are both 7.5. Those numbers are on par with his season averages of 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. Doncic is such an exceptional scorer that he can explode at any moment, but the Lakers will likely be cautious with his minutes as he works himself back from injury. Also, Doncic might operate more as a passer as he feels out playing with his new teammates.
The big question, of course, is how Doncic will fit alongside LeBron James.
Both superstars are ball-dominant, high-usage players. The offense will likely revolve around Doncic as James plays more off the ball, and both can operate as the ball-handler and the screener in what should be a deadly pick-and-roll combo. However, they'll need time to learn each other's tendencies, and the Lakers' thinness at center complicates matters.
The Lakers thought they were acquiring frontcourt reinforcements when they agreed to a trade with the Hornets for Mark Williams, but the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical.
There are also questions about what the Lakers sacrificed on the defensive end. They ranked in the bottom half of the league in defense before the trade, and they'll slip even more with Doncic.
But there's no denying the Lakers are ultimately better now than they were before the trade deadline. Their odds to win the title before the Doncic trade were +3300. They're now +1800, sixth best behind the Thunder, Celtics, Cavaliers, Knicks, and Nuggets.
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.