NEW YORK – Luka Doncic’s much-anticipated Los Angeles Lakers debut could come as soon as Sunday (Manila time) home game against the Indiana Pacers.

ESPN already made adjustments to its TV schedule to accommodate the Lakers-Pacers game, replacing the previously scheduled Utah Jazz-Phoenix Suns game on Friday, in anticipation of Doncic’s first game with his new team.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said he’s hopeful Doncic will play Saturday against the Pacers.

“Yeah, I mean, we’re kind of just assessing it day-by-day,” Redick told reporters after practice.

“We hope to have him back within the next few games. He was a participant. We just had non-contact practice today. But we got some good work in about 45 minutes. And he’ll have a stay-ready game at some point. And over the next two days, Thursday, Friday, he’ll have some more opportunities to play live basketball. And then we’ll make a decision on Saturday. If it’s not Saturday, hopefully, it’s Monday. But again, those decisions by Saturday will be made on Saturday.”

Doncic has been sidelined by a calf injury since 25 December. He was close to returning when the Dallas Mavericks unceremoniously traded him to the Lakers.

Doncic chose to take the high road and spoke no ill will towards his former team during his introductory press conference on Tuesday.

“That’s their decision, so I have no comment on that,” Doncic said.

“They made the decision. I don’t know why, but that’s their decision so I can’t do anything about it.”

The Lakers were just too happy that a 25-year-old star, a perennial All-Star and All-NBA player who has yet to hit his prime, fell on their lap. They view him as the face of the franchise for the next decade as the 40-year-old LeBron James winds up his illustrious career.

"Luka's been my favorite player in the NBA for a while now," James told reporters after the Lakers beat the Clippers on Wednesday.

"I think you guys know that. And I've always just tried to play the game the right way and inspire the next generation. And Luka happens to be one of them. And now, we're teammates. So, it'll be a very seamless transition."

Doncic’s arrival has instantly boosted the Lakers’ championship odds, jumping ahead of the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks (tied at +1400).

The Lakers now have the third-best odds (+1100) at Bovada, one of the best offshore sportsbooks. Only the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder (tied at +250) and Cleveland Cavaliers (+750) have better championship odds than them.

“For me, this is a fresh start,” Doncic said.

“I’m really excited to be here. I get to play for the Lakers. Not everybody can say that. Many legends have passed here. Many championships (have been won here). So, that’s my goal.”