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Luka Doncic · Only time will tell, regarding the short and long-term winners of Luka Dončić’s blockbuster deal. As the Los Angeles Lakers prepared to trade leaguewide shock for the shockwaves and excitement coursing through its arena on February 10, 2025, though, it simply marked yet another deal that they couldn’t decline. As if running through the checklist of what truly makes a could-be icon in the purple-and-gold, Dončić — in just 24 minutes — put tantalizing gifts on a brief showcase during a debut defined by versatility. Eager to shake off both Utah Jazz defenders and the rust from not playing since Christmas, Dončić’s redeeming bucket arrived in expected fashion, as he froze Walker Kessler just long enough to create the necessary space for a rhythm 3-pointer. One quarter later, in a sequence that one could say symbolized both “Luka Magic’s” arrival and paid tribute to past Laker legends at once, Dončić called dibs on a rebound before unleashing a length-of-the-court dime to his Hall of Fame-bound teammate, creating an easy score. Spurred on by 18,997 in support, Dončić’s Lake Show audition was a smash hit, as he recorded 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, a 3-pointer, and a +15 plus-minus. · State of Mint