Basketball just got a whole lot spicier as superstar Luka Doncic landed in Hollywood for the first time as a Laker.
Doncic arrived in Los Angeles late Sunday night as the five-time All-Star prepares to prove the doubting Dallas Mavericks wrong for giving up on him in a shocking trade over the weekend.
When exactly that revenge tour begins is still unknown, as the new Lakers star prepares for a playoff run alongside new running mate LeBron James.
Doncic, who has been out with a strained calf since Christmas Day, had previously been targeting a pre-All-Star break return from injury, according to multiple reports.
With this year’s break running from Feb. 14-16, Doncic has just five games to make good on that timeline, with reporter Marc Stein reporting the guard is targeting a Saturday, Feb. 8 return against the Pacers.
When he does return, Doncic will still wear his familiar No. 77 jersey with the Lakers.
The maligned star has dealt with the same left calf strain twice this year, according to ESPN, leaving Dallas to trade its prized scorer in perhaps the most shocking trade in NBA history.
Doncic has played in just 22 games this season after leading the Mavericks to an NBA Finals berth last season.
The Mavericks are reportedly concerned about his conditioning and lifestyle.
Doncic will then get his chance to show the Mavericks what they are missing on Feb. 25 when the Lakers host Dallas in a nationally televised game sure to grab many eyeballs.
The Lakers are now expected to be very active as they still have one first-round pick available to deal ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
Assuming that the timeline is correct and that Doncic returns Feb. 8, he will appear in three games for the Lakers heading into the All-Star Break.
Los Angeles later plays a home-and-home set with the Utah Jazz on Feb. 10 and 12 before taking a break for All-Star weekend.
Doncic was not voted an All-Star this season after missing 28 games for the 26-24 Mavericks.
The earth-rattling trade that made the Lakers legitimate contenders in the West for years to come has set off a chain reaction throughout the league.
The Sacramento Kings also traded their star guard, De’Aaron Fox, to the Spurs on Sunday as contenders begin to emerge in the Western Conference.
