• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

Lakers, Luka Dončić Seize Super Bowl Spotlight With Star’s Monday Debut

 Luka Dončić’s debut was reportedly pushed back from Saturday to Monday. ESPN flexed both games into its schedule.

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Super Bowl has come and gone, but this year, the NBA does not need to wait for the All-Star weekend to capitalize on the end of the NFL season.

Luka Dončić is expected to make his Lakers debut Monday against the Jazz, a game that ESPN announced Sunday would be flexed into its national TV schedule. The five-time All-Star—who was traded to Los Angeles from the Mavericks on Feb. 1—has not played since Christmas Day due to a calf injury.

It was originally widely reported that Dončić was expected to make his debut Saturday against the Pacers, which led to ESPN adjusting its Friday NBA schedule and Saturday college basketball slate to accommodate the Lakers game. However, on Thursday night, TNT’s Jared Greenberg announced that Los Angeles moved back Dončić’s return. ESPN did not revert its weekend schedule and aired the Lakers-Pacers game despite absences from both Dončić and LeBron James.

Despite the delay, Dončić’s debut Monday has the potential to draw a massive audience for the NBA during a relatively quiet period between the Super Bowl and All-Star weekend. The Lakers and James are already among the league’s biggest viewership draws. This season’s most-watched game was the Christmas Day matchup between the Lakers and Warriors (7.9 million viewers), while its most-watched non-Christmas game featured the same two teams on Jan. 25 (3.05 million viewers).

While those two games aired on ABC, Monday’s Jazz-Lakers game will be broadcast on only ESPN. But it could challenge the Nov. 6 game between the Warriors and Celtics (2.14 million viewers) as ESPN’s most-watched game of the season.

Meanwhile in Dallas

The main reason the Mavericks and GM Nico Harrison dealt Dončić was his behavior and work ethic—and how it could affect his ability to stay healthy. However, one of the criticisms of this logic was that the main piece they acquired to replace the 25-year-old was Anthony Davis, who is notorious for missing time due to injuries.

It took just one game for that criticism to turn into reality.

The 31-year-old sustained a noncontact injury in the third quarter of his Mavericks debut Saturday against the Rockets. ESPN reported Sunday that Davis will be out for “multiple weeks” due to a left adductor strain. Davis, who will start a three-year, $175.4 million deal next season, has played more than 70 games just three times in 13 NBA seasons.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Senators Rip WNBA Handling of Sun Sale

The Senators are urging the league to stay out of the negotiations.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22), Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10), Indiana Fever assistant coach Karima Christmas-Kelly and Indiana Fever assistant coach Briann January celebrate Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 97-77.

Indiana Fever Clinch Playoff Berth Even Without Caitlin Clark

The Fever will host at least one playoff game.
Unrivaled

Unrivaled Hits $340M Valuation, Doubles Revenue Projections

The startup women’s basketball league is rapidly growing after one season.
Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries fans acknowledge local basketball alumni during a time out against the Phoenix Mercury during the second quarter at Chase Center.

Valkyries Set WNBA Attendance Record in Inaugural Season

The Valkyries joined the WNBA as an expansion team this season.

Featured Today

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
Tennis
September 5, 2025

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.

Bears, Without State Funding, Officially Pivot Stadium to Suburbs

The NFL team formally abandons its plans for a downtown stadium.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts on the field after the coin toss prior to the Chiefs' game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
September 4, 2025

Chiefs Enter Brazil Game With Eye on Becoming ‘World’s Team’

The Chiefs are playing in a record fourth foreign country.
Mar 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer leaves his court side seat after a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
September 5, 2025

‘They Conned Me’: Ballmer Responds to Kawhi Leonard Allegations

Ballmer spoke on “SportsCenter” about the allegations he broke NBA rules.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 4, 2025

State of Connecticut Submits Bid for Minority Ownership of Sun 

The bid would value the Connecticut Sun above $250 million.
September 4, 2025

Torre: Key Phrases Missing in Clippers’ Pushback on Kawhi Deal

The NBA said it’s investigating the report involving the Clippers.
September 3, 2025

Clippers Push Back on Kawhi Leonard Report, Call It ‘Provably False’

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is the richest owner in the NBA.
September 2, 2025

F1’s McLaren Valued at More Than $5B After Recent Stake Sale

MSP Capital purchased its stake in McLaren in 2020.