How Luka Doncic's Lakers debut ranks in recent NBA history - ESPN

The highly anticipated debut of Luka Doncic with the Lakers came on Monday night against the Utah Jazz in a 132-113 victory in Los Angeles.

Lakers fans gave Doncic a rousing ovation when his name was called out last — after LeBron James — to introduce the starting lineups. The five-time NBA All-Star, playing under a minutes restriction in his first action since Christmas Day, had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in 14 minutes.

The Lakers acquired Doncic in a blockbuster trade on Feb. 2 from the Dallas Mavericks, sending shockwaves around the sports world.

Here's a look back at other highly anticipated NBA debuts since 2000 that came after a trade or free agency signing.

Stats: 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks

Game result: 112-102 loss vs. LA Clippers

After a trade saga that began during the 2018-19 season, the Lakers acquired Davis in the offseason, creating a new duo alongside James.

Davis' debut came against the Clippers, who stole headlines from the Davis trade by teaming Paul George and Kawhi Leonard — more on him soon — together to also contend for a title. Those respective moves created a memorable atmosphere for Davis' first game as a Laker.

The 6-foot-10 center had 25 points on 9-of-21 shooting, becoming one of three teammates to score 20 points in his team debut alongside James.

Stats: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals

Game result: 112-102 win vs. Lakers

Leonard's debut with the Clippers came only months after he led the Toronto Raptors to the NBA championship. Leonard signed with the Clippers in free agency in an offseason shocker.

He looked the part in his first game with the franchise. Leonard had 16 points in the second quarter, hitting seven straight shots as part of a