Lakers make sure Luka Doncic feels at home before LA debut with nod to Slovenia

The recently-traded Luka Doncic was serenaded with Slovenian music at the Crypto.com Arena ahead of his Los Angeles Lakers debut against the Utah Jazz on Monday night

featured-image

Over a week after his blockbuster trade , Luka Doncic is set to debut for the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Monday night against the Utah Jazz. To help their 25-year-old superstar feel welcome, the Lakers' home Crypto.com arena played Slovenian music, including the popular song “Imam Jedan Život” by Ana Bekuta.

The five-time First-team All-Pro spent the first 13 years of his life In Slovenia before moving to Spain to join Real Madrid. OX reporter Melissa Rohlin noted on X how " Welp, this is the first time I’ve heard music from Slovenia at this arena." The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks (along with Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber) last Sunday in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 unprotected first-round pick.



This wasn't the only Doncic-related stunt performed by the staff at Crypto.com Arena: they left No. 77 shirts on each and every.

Doncic has yet to play in a Lakers uniform since his trade as he deals with a lingering calf injury he suffered back on Christmas day. “Feel like it’s best right now to ease Luka back into playing NBA action,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said of his team's plan for Doncic. Some tunes to make Luka feel right at home pregame in L.

A. pic.twitter.

com/8KaMWfgyzy — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 11, 2025 “I think if it was up to Luka, he would probably play 48 minutes, but we’re thinking long-term and we want to be safe.” Doncic, the third overall pick in 2018 by the Atlanta Hawks before he was traded to Dallas for a package including Trae Young, has blossomed into one of the best players in the sport..