Recently, many people have been talking about the NBA’s low ratings and fewer viewers. Analysts, coaches, and former players have shared ideas to fix the problem. But sometimes, big viewership moments show us the true potential of people’s admiration for the league.
For example, Luka Doncic’s debut in a Lakers jersey on Monday night reminded everyone how much the NBA community admires their teams and players and what moments they feel special about.
Luka Doncic’s first game with the Los Angeles Lakers was a must-watch event, drawing huge TV ratings. The Monday night game against the Utah Jazz had an average of 2.01 million viewers on ESPN, with a peak of 2.55 million in the second quarter.
Luka Dončić's @Lakers debut against the @utahjazz on Monday averaged 2.01M viewers pic.twitter.com/rioiHzzBhH
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 12, 2025
This made it the 15th most-watched NBA game of the season and the most-watched cable game since the Mavericks vs. Warriors matchup on November 12.
Doncic, playing for the first time since his calf injury on Christmas, scored 14 points in the Lakers’ big 132-113 win. Even though his performance was not flashy, the excitement in the arena and the high viewership proved how much fans love seeing him in purple and gold.
Doncic also called his Lakers debut a special moment.
Luka Dončić’s first game with the Los Angeles Lakers was a special one, not just for fans but for him too. Joining a team in the middle of the season can be tough, but for Luka, it’s a big relief to have full support from the Lakers.
Luka Doncic on his first game with the Lakers:
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2025
"Special. The way they received me, everybody, it was amazing to see. I was a little nervous before. I mean, I don't know when was the last time I was nervous before the games. But once I stepped on the court, it was fun. Just being… pic.twitter.com/ErgC8clqiy
It’s clear that he is already fitting in well with his new team. After his debut, he told ESPN, “It’s special. The way they receive me, everybody, teammates, front office, everybody here. I heard a lot of noise when I was introduced, so I really appreciate it. It was a special moment.”
