LOS ANGELES — In his first appearance with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic contributed 14 points in limited time during the team’s commanding 132-113 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday evening. Doncic shared the starting lineup with LeBron James and quickly found his rhythm.

Fans dressed in hundreds of gold T-shirts emblazoned with Doncic’s name and jersey number 77 showered him with applause, including a particular cheer from James, who donned the same shirt during warm-ups.

“It had been a while since I played… receiving all the support with Luka jerseys was an unbelievable experience,” Doncic remarked.

On his debut night, Doncic scored 11 of his points as the Lakers surged to a 25-point halftime lead, leaving the game with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter as the team continued its winning streak with a sixth straight victory.

The Slovenian star began his night with a three-pointer early in the game, finishing with five rebounds and four assists — including a gorgeous three-quarter-court pass to James for a layup just before halftime.

This matchup marked Doncic’s first game in nearly seven weeks following a left calf strain incurred on Christmas while playing for the Dallas Mavericks, who surprised the league by trading their 25-year-old star and reigning NBA scoring champion.

Doncic took a full week to acclimate and regain his strength before joining James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes in the starting five for the Lakers, who had already claimed 11 wins in their last 13 games before adding a five-time All-NBA standout.

“He managed the game superbly,” declared Lakers coach JJ Redick, who previously played with Doncic for 13 games in 2021 with the Mavericks. “I think there were probably some nerves given it was his first game for the Lakers, but he handled it really well and had a solid performance.”

Many in the L.A. crowd were eager to witness Doncic’s much-anticipated debut, and he did not disappoint: his initial touch yielded an alley-oop assist to Hayes, immediately followed by his three-pointer. As soon as the first break in play occurred, chants of “Luka! Luka!” filled the arena and continued throughout the evening.

The audience also included Dirk Nowitzki, who mentored Doncic for a season in Dallas. Doncic has often been seen as the natural successor to the German Hall of Famer’s legacy in Dallas, despite recent changes with the Mavericks’ management.

Expressing gratitude for Nowitzki’s presence, Doncic said, “Having him here, a great friend and mentor, means a lot to me.”

Doncic checked out after just under seven minutes of play, alongside James, likely due to the agreed-upon minutes restriction as he resumes full activity. The Lakers aim to ensure that at least one star player remains on the court throughout his adjustments.

“It’s best for Luka to ease back into the intensity of NBA games,” Redick explained prior to tip-off. “Given his choice, he would play every minute. However, we’re focused on long-term wellness and safety.”

Doncic gingerly re-entered the game with eight minutes remaining in the first half, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ growing lead through a series of impactful plays.

As Doncic warmed up before the game, numerous cameras captured the moment, and the arena’s playlist included music familiar to him from his pre-game regimen. The Lakers introduced him last, a gesture typically reserved for James, which earned him another heartfelt standing ovation.

Doncic shared that James texted him ahead of player introductions, offering to defer to Doncic’s preference for the order. “I appreciated him allowing me that moment, but it will return to normal moving forward,” Doncic noted.

Doncic, who had been a spectator for the previous three Lakers victories since relocating to Los Angeles last week, made a significant impact in his new community by donating $500,000 for wildfire recovery efforts. His gesture comes as Southern California continues to recover from devastating wildfires, including in areas like Pacific Palisades, where Redick lost his home.

“It has been heart-wrenching to witness the destruction caused by the wildfires upon my arrival in LA,” Doncic expressed via his foundation’s social media. “I empathize with all the children affected who lost their homes, schools, and playgrounds. Today, my foundation pledges $500,000 for immediate relief efforts, and I am dedicated to helping rebuild courts, playgrounds, and fields so that every child has a safe place to play.”

In closing, he wrote: “To everyone impacted by the fires: we are here to support you, now and in the future.”

Doncic’s donation will be directed to the Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, with plans for “significant additional contributions in the next two years,” particularly aimed at reconstructing spaces for children to play, according to a spokesperson.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.