After nearly a week of discussions surrounding the seismic Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade that shook the NBA, Dončić made his highly anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night on ESPN against the Utah Jazz. Brands such as Nike (and their Jordan Brand) and Gatorade went all out to promote this moment:
Jordan Brand’s new poster for Luka Doncic 👀 pic.twitter.com/Iz2kriKPqo
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) February 11, 2025
Gatorade’s ad for Luka Doncic’s Lakers debut tonight: pic.twitter.com/mwABjZOvpP
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) February 10, 2025
The Lakers also contributed by providing shirts with Dončić’s name and number to every fan in attendance:
Lakers are handing out Luka Doncic shirts to EVERY FAN in attendance tonight 🍿🔥
(via @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/d7Mwu0zo1y
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 10, 2025
They even recut their intro video to feature him and introduced him last in the starting lineup, a spot previously reserved for LeBron James, igniting a frenzy among the crowd:
The Lakers new pregame introductions video with Luka Doncic! 💛💜🪄 pic.twitter.com/hFzl4oTX6T
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) February 11, 2025
At guard. Number 77. From Slovenia. LUUUUUUUUKAAAA DONČIĆ pic.twitter.com/YxjdAvapjA
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 11, 2025
As the game commenced, there was much to discuss regarding Dončić. Notably, he made a one-legged shot that drew comparisons to both James and legendary Maverick Dirk Nowitzki, who was present at the game:
LeBron James one-legged fade.
Luka Dončić one-legged fade.A mirror image for the Lakers superstar duo 🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/svH9a0xXlO
— NBA (@NBA) February 11, 2025
Luka Doncic hit the Dirk Nowitzki fadeaway with him in the building 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/gyeVc5QC6n
— ESPN (@espn) February 11, 2025
As we assess the long-term implications of the Dončić deal, it’s evident that brands are going all out to promote him as a Laker. Furthermore, ESPN tweaked their schedule to spotlight this pivotal debut, ensuring that he will attract even more attention in L.A. in the days to come.
