As Luka Doncic’s debut awaits, Los Angeles Lakers welcome Indiana Pacers

LOS ANGELES – In the continued aftermath of one of the most shocking trades in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Indiana Pacers on Feb 8 (Feb 9, Singapore time) in what appears to be the final game before Luka Doncic’s anticipated debut in gold and purple.

Just a week after acquiring the superstar from the Dallas Mavericks, in a trade that cost 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis and fellow starter Max Christie, the Lakers enter the game winners of four straight and eight of the past nine.

It was reported that the Doncic era in Los Angeles will begin on Feb 10 against the Utah Jazz.

That aside, the Lakers have plenty to focus on against the Pacers, who have won five of their last six.

Los Angeles (30-19) began their current three-game home stand on Feb 6 with a 120-112 win over the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James finished with a season-high 42 points and 17 rebounds to go along with eight assists.

James joined Michael Jordan as the only players to score 40 points in a game after their 40th birthday.

“The biggest thing is that we got the win, obviously,” he said. “But throughout my journey, any time I’ve been in a category or crossed paths with the greats, it’s always humbling. I love the game so much, so it’s pretty cool.”

Doncic is not the only newcomer who eventually will be paired with James, as the team acquired centre Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in a deal that included trading away rookie Dalton Knecht.

As the Lakers continue to make their push in the final two months of the regular season, Williams adds another threat to a surging club.

“(Mark is) young, athletic, big. He’s going to give us another lob threat along with Jaxson (Hayes),” added James, who leads the team with 24.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

“I was surprised that we were able to get him, honestly.”

Williams, who averages 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds, could make his Lakers debut against the Pacers.

Indiana, who were relatively quiet during the trade deadline on Feb 6, rallied from a 22-point first-half deficit that night to earn a 119-112 road win against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Pacers star Pascal Siakam recorded 33 points and 11 rebounds as the team continued their ascent in the Eastern Conference standings, climbing to fourth at 29-21.

“We’re a team that’s going to use our depth and wear down the other team,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.

“That’s a big part of who we have to be. As long as we’re aggressive and helping each other out defensively, we give ourselves a chance to win.”

Siakam paces Indiana with 20.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, while Tyrese Haliburton adds 17.8 points and 8.5 assists per contest.

Meanwhile in NBA action on Feb 7, the pace-setting Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to victories to maintain their grip on the conference standings.

Oklahoma City extended their lead at the top of the Western Conference table, improving to 41-9 for the season after blowing past the Toronto Raptors 121-109.

Jalen Williams led the Thunder scoring with 27 points in front of their home fans, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adding 25 despite sitting out the fourth quarter.

In Washington, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley combined for 60 points to give Cleveland their sixth win in seven games, against a Wizards line-up who threatened an upset after an inspired performance from Jordan Poole.

Wizards ace Poole finished with 45 points but it was not enough to stop the Cavaliers (42-10) pulling away to complete a 134-124 victory.
REUTERS, AFP