Newest rumor reveals when Luka Doncic will officially make his Lakers debut

The Dallas Mavericks made a franchise-altering move on Saturday night when they sent Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Despite there being a bigger package on the table that included Los Angeles' 2031 first-round pick in initial negotiations, the package was decreased over time. This was a move that no one expected, as Rob Pelinka and Nico Harrison kept conversations about this move extremely quiet.

Harrison is betting on Davis to take Dallas' defense to the next level, as he coveted Davis' two-way availability. Harrison has built a relationship with Davis over the years, and he wanted him badly. He only went to the Lakers when it came to a Doncic trade, and a few weeks of talking led to the biggest trade in NBA history.

Mavericks fans have been crushed over the last few days, but as time goes on, fans are going to be forced to move on and embrace the new superstar of the city, Davis. It's going to take time for this move to feel real for all parties involved, and it is going to feel extra real for Doncic within the next week.

Luka Doncic's Lakers debut is rumored to be next week

According to NBA insider Marc J. Spears of ESPN, Doncic is targeting his return to the hardwood next week. He has been out since Christmas Day with a left calf strain, and his first game as a Laker sounds like it is going to be on Monday or Wednesday of next week.

All signs indicated that Doncic would be returning to the floor before the All-Star break, even before he was traded, and now Mavericks fans know how close he was to playing his first game in nearly six weeks. Los Angeles takes on the Utah Jazz at home on Monday and on the road on Wednesday, and it sounds like one of these days will be the first time he puts on the purple and gold. Mavericks fans and Lakers fans alike will have their eyes glued to their TVs for this highly-anticipated debut, and Doncic will wear a different team's jersey for the first time since he was drafted by the Mavs in 2018.

Having him return next week is the perfect plan for managing his calf injury, as this will give him plenty of time to rest afterward considering that the NBA All-Star break begins next weekend, and he would only have to play in one or two games before getting some time off since he will not be playing in the All-Star Game. He will also have all week to meet with coaches and players to go over the Lakers system, and rather than having a rushed debut, he can be much more ready with a week of preparation.

Doncic's first game against Dallas will be on February 25 in Los Angeles, and his return to the American Airlines Center is on April 9. Ticket prices for Doncic's return to Dallas are already well over $200 per ticket, as the entire city will want to be in the arena to see him play again.

Dallas' love for Doncic will never fade away, and he should be expected to be courted with deafening cheers and a beautiful tribute video.