The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to find their rhythm again after the momentum of a seven-game win streak slipped away. Since that run ended, they’ve gone 4-5, and what stings even more is that their last two losses came without Luka Dončić on the court.
Dončić was in the lineup against the Clippers back on December 20, but his night was cut short after just 20 minutes due to a left leg contusion. Head coach JJ Redick labeled him day-to-day, and Dončić ended up sitting out the Lakers’ next game - a loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Now, all signs point to a return on Christmas Day, and it’s shaping up to be more than just another game. According to reports, Dončić is expected to be back in action when the Lakers face the Houston Rockets, assuming his pregame workout goes smoothly. But it won’t just be his presence on the floor that draws attention - it’ll also be what’s on his feet.
Dončić is set to debut the Jordan Luka 5, his latest signature sneaker with Jordan Brand, in front of a national audience. The shoe was officially unveiled earlier this week, and the timing couldn’t be more fitting. Christmas Day games are marquee events in the NBA calendar, and Dončić’s return - paired with the sneaker launch - adds another layer of intrigue.
The Luka 5 is a big step forward in the evolution of Dončić’s line. For the first time, the shoe features full-length Zoom Strobel, a cushioning system designed to deliver a springy, responsive feel underfoot - exactly the kind of tech a player like Dončić thrives on. Whether he’s stepping back for a deep three or slashing into the lane, that extra pop matters.
Also new to the Luka 5 is the ISOband, which is engineered to help players push off from the ground at any angle - a subtle but crucial detail for a guard who changes direction as often and as smoothly as Dončić does. The ISOplate, a staple in his previous models, returns to provide the underfoot stability and lateral support that allow him to stop on a dime and shift gears without losing balance or control.
“Working with Jordan Brand on the Luka 5 was about making something that fits my game and keeps evolving with me,” Dončić said in a statement. “The full-length Zoom Strobel and ISOband give me that extra pop and control so I can attack from any spot on the floor. Every time I lace them up, I know I’m ready to go.”
Jordan Brand has leaned into the launch with some creative flair, releasing a short film titled “Bad Luka, Nice Shoes” featuring appearances from Adrian Wojnarowski and Boban Marjanović. It’s a fun, self-aware take that plays off Dončić’s on-court intensity and off-court charisma - and it’s exactly the kind of marketing that resonates during a high-profile holiday game.
As for the shoe itself, fans won’t have to wait long to get their hands on a pair. The Luka 5 officially drops on January 8 at Jordan.com and select retailers.
The launch colorway, dubbed “Venom,” pairs black with electric green accents, but another version called “Viper Edge” - an all-green look - is also in the pipeline. It’s still unclear which version Dončić will wear on Christmas, but either way, it’ll be the first time the Luka 5 hits the hardwood.
For the Lakers, Dončić’s return couldn’t come soon enough. The team has struggled to maintain consistency without him, and his ability to control tempo, create offense, and lead in crunch time is something they’ve clearly missed. With the Rockets coming to town and a national spotlight on the game, the stage is set for Dončić to make a statement - not just with his play, but with every step he takes in his newest signature sneakers.