The team’s new star makes an immediate impression on the community with a contribution to aid recovery efforts following the fires that devastated parts of the region last month

New Lakers star Luka Doncic warms up before making his debut with the team in a game against the Utah Jazz on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES — Before Luka Doncic played his first game as a Laker, he made a charitable donation to assist with relief efforts for the tragedies that occurred before he even moved to Southern California.

Doncic, through his self-named foundation, announced on Monday morning a $500,000 donation to “immediate recovery efforts” for those who suffered from the Los Angeles area wildfires, which burned through the region last month starting on Jan. 7.

The 25-year-old five-time All-Star, who the Lakers acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team trade earlier this month, made his Lakers debut against the Utah Jazz on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) from his foundation, with the title “A Note From Luka,” Doncic wrote: “It’s been so sad to see and learn more about the damage from the wildfires since I landed in LA. I can’t believe it and I feel for all the kids who lost their homes, schools and the places where they used to play with their friends.

“[On Monday], my foundation is donating $500,000 to immediate recovery efforts. I am also committed to helping rebuild courts, playgrounds and fields that were destroyed, because every kid needs a safe place to play. To everyone affected by these fires: we’re here to help, now and for the long haul.”

Doncic joined a long list of professional athletes and teams who have made charitable donations in light of the fires.

Twelve Southern California professional sports teams – the Lakers, Angel City FC, the Angels, Chargers, Clippers, Dodgers, Ducks, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Rams and Sparks – pledged a combined donation of more than $8 million to support victims in need, as well as those fighting the fires.

The teams also joined forces with Fanatics and the Fanatics Foundation to distribute $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise to those who evacuated their homes.

The Lakers also hosted multiple donation drives the week after the fires started.