Claxton can play both ways, protecting the rim in a way the Lakers desperately need with Anthony Davis gone and creating a lob threat for Doncic. He will also offer L.A. a $21 million expiring contract in 2027-28 that will provide roster flexibility shortly after what the team hopes will be the inking of a long-term extension for Doncic.

Playing limited minutes, Luka Doncic finishes with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists as the Lakers rout the Jazz.

Dončić has been out since Christmas as he recovers from a calf injury. Since then, he unassumingly became the nexus of a media cycle that bordered on surreal. Monday was set up as a (relatively) quiet way to debut on the Lakers’ regional broadcast, but ESPN inevitably slid in to grab this one. In-market fans can still watch on Spectrum SportsNet.