In a stunning move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Mavericks in a three-team trade on Saturday night. This significant trade involved parting ways with power forward Anthony Davis, but the return on investment left Lakers fans eagerly anticipating the future.
The addition of Doncic fills a crucial void in the team’s lineup, providing a much-needed boost on the perimeter alongside the exceptional play of LeBron James. With Doncic now in the mix, the Lakers are poised to become a must-watch team on the court while securing a young franchise player to build around for years to come.
As the anticipation builds for Doncic’s debut in the iconic purple and gold jersey, the Lakers’ social media team recently unveiled the jersey number that the star guard will proudly wear. The number that holds significance for Doncic and sets him apart from his peers in Lakers history is none other than No. 77.
Since the inception of his NBA career, Doncic has sported the number 77, a choice that he will continue with the Lakers. This decision makes him the first player in Lakers franchise history to don the number, further solidifying his unique place within the team’s storied legacy.
Growing up in Slovenia, Doncic found inspiration in Greek basketball legend Vassilis Spanoulis, who left a lasting impact on the young athlete. Spanoulis, known for his successful career in Europe, particularly during his time with Real Madrid, influenced Doncic to wear the number 7 as a tribute. When Doncic transitioned to the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks, he originally intended to continue wearing No. 7. However, due to Dwight Powell already holding that number, Doncic opted to pay homage to his idol by choosing No. 77 instead.
In the extensive history of the NBA and ABA, only 22 players have ever sported the number 77, making Doncic’s choice a rare and meaningful one. His unique connection to Spanoulis and the significance of the number further solidify the personal and professional bond that drives Doncic’s passion for the game.
As Doncic prepares to make his mark with the Lakers, he joins a select group of players who have worn jersey numbers between 70 and 88 for the franchise. Notably, Dennis Rodman stands out as the only other player in Lakers history to wear a number within this range, donning No. 73 during the 1999 season.
With Doncic’s arrival marking a new chapter in Lakers history, fans eagerly await the impact that this dynamic player will bring to the team. As the excitement builds for his debut on the court, the legacy of No. 77 in Lakers lore gains a fresh and compelling narrative, courtesy of the talented and passionate Luka Doncic.
