The Luka Dončić era is finally here in Los Angeles. Making his debut for the purple and gold, Dončić wasn’t up to his usual standards but still made enough jaw-dropping plays to leave fans excited about the future. The Los Angeles Lakers walked away with their sixth-straight win and the first with Dončić on the team.
But it wasn’t just on the court that Dončić won the crowd over. Before the game, news came out about an incredible gesture from the newest superstar in the City of Angels.
Luka Dončić Makes Heartwarming Gesture for Los Angeles
The city of Los Angeles isn’t too far removed from a devastating tragedy that shook the entire state of California. From Jan. 7-31, a series of destructive wildfires caused incomprehensible destruction in the LA metropolitan area and neighboring San Diego.
With over 200,000 people forced to evacuate and 18,000 homes and structures destroyed, it’s been a hard time for the people to make it back on their feet. Relief measurements are still ongoing and continue to do their part, bit by bit.
To help those measurements along, Dončić donated $50,000 to help those in need through the Luka Dončić Foundation. The group put out a post on X explaining their gesture.
“It’s been sad to see and learn more about the damage from the wildfires since I landed in LA. I can’t believe it, and I feel for all the kids who lost their homes, schools, and the places where they used to play with their friends. Today, my foundation is donating $500,000 to immediate recovery efforts.
A message from @luka7doncic to Los Angeles. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/fhoa30nIjY
— Luka Dončić Foundation (@LD77Foundation) February 10, 2025
“I am also committed to helping rebuild courts, playgrounds, and fields that were destroyed because every kid needs a safe place to play. To everyone affected by these fires: we’re here to help now and for the long haul.”
Dončić signed off the message by calling himself “your new neighbor,” an official declaration of his embrace of his new team and city.
Right after, Dončić took the court for the first time as a Laker and endeared himself to any fans still not completely bought in. Los Angeles dominated their way to a 132-113 win in a blowout that was even more dominant than the final score suggests.
With just one game remaining before the All-Star break, it’ll allow Dončić to get a feel for the court after a month off before the final stretch of the regular season begins in earnest.