Luka Doncic is still learning how to play with LeBron James and Austin Lilyves in the Los Angeles Lakers.
Luka Doncic already looks comfortable in Los Angeles Lakers. After a devastating midseason deal from the Dallas Mavericks, Don Sic is focusing on guiding the Lakers to a successful championship. The team is currently fourth in the West with a 48-25 record.
The team recently went through a three-game slump where Luka was accused of being selfish on-ball. It’s definitely not a deliberate choice by Slovenian security guards, as the Lakers still adapt to his theatrical style. He could become LeBron James’ biggest teammate and is already considered LeBron’s successor in the Lakers’ locker room.
Doncic is still adapting to his LA teammates, despite his team success. They won a 120-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers. There, Luka led both teams in scoring. LeBron scored the winner of the game, but Donsic was the star.
The narrow victory proves that everything is not perfect for LA yet. But that’s exactly what Donsic is working on.
Luka Doncic is currently one of the most talented players in the NBA. However, championships do not win based solely on talent. Doncic needs to adapt to playing alongside two other great on-ball options, such as Lebron James and Austin Reaves.
Donsic admitted that he was adapted to playing alongside these two options at a postgame media press conference after the Pacer victory.
“For me, I think there’s a lot to do, to understand who they like, what the two guys want. AR and LeBron are playing 3 and 4 years together, so they know a little more.
“I have to watch the film and adapt to the situation.”
Luke has proven his portability in the past. He revamped his playstyle to accommodate Kyrie Irving and other teammates with the Mavericks last season, moving on to the NBA Finals. He was more ball heavier for the Lakers, but if it works in LA, that’s something they should stick with.
Speaking about the victory, he admitted “we needed this badly,” and commented that when LeBron tipped his shot, he was “reliable and happy.”
This was a very tough season for Donsic. His routine in Dallas for nearly seven years was as broken as the Mavericks phone. He was injured at the time and had to accelerate his return to help the Lakers with a postseason push.
Despite his slow start, Donsic finds his groove and has recently dominated. He averaged 32.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.8 assists in the final four contests with 27.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists over 19 games with the Lakers.
The Lakers need to find a consistent victory formula, but Donsic has endured the hype. He may be over-performing defensively and lead the Lakers in defensive ratings in March.
If he can continue to produce at this level, the Lakers could be a legal title contender this season. There are still holes in the spinning for them to fill out, but talented trios like Luka, LeBron and Austin may be able to take them to the summit.