Lakers Optimistic as Luka Doncic Finds His Rhythm in Los Angeles

Luka Doncic moving to the Lakers was one of the biggest deals in recent NBA history. The guard is one of the best players in basketball, and pairing him with LeBron James seemed like a match made in heaven.

However, he didn’t start as strong as Lakers fans would have hoped

It’s never easy going to a new team, no matter how talented someone might be. Doncic is a strong player, but he still needed time to acclimate. Fitting into a new system, as well as learning a new offense and rotation, is never easy.

(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

That struggle was on full display for his first three games in Los Angeles. While the ex-Mavericks guard put up some decent stats, netting 14.7 points per contest, that was far below his season average. On top of that, the Lakers only went 1-2 during that time.

However, with someone as good as Luka, it’s not long before things get back on track. That’s exactly what happened against the Nuggets on Saturday night.

Doncic went back to his old ways, taking over the game and showing how much he could mean to his new franchise.

Finding His Groove

In the game against the Nuggets, the 25-year-old superstar had his best performance in purple and gold. He put up 32 points, dished out seven assists, nabbed four steals, and managed to pull in 10 rebounds.

He was everywhere on the court, showing exactly what the Lakers could be if everything fires on all cylinders

The victory snapped the Nuggets nine game win streak, and cemented that Los Angeles can beat almost anybody. Denver is one of the better teams in the Western Conference, and Los Angeles put them away 123 to 100.

That easy victory was largely on the back of Doncic

His presence alone meant a lot for the team, providing them with a second superstar who can score, pass, and defend in a myriad of ways. It’s incredibly impressive, even if it took him a little while to get there.

“[I] Finally feel like myself a little bit,” the guard said of his effort. “Playing this game, this is what I love. Just finally being myself a little bit, that’s why I was smiling all game.”

He, and his teammates, definitely had a lot to smile about right now. They were promised a superstar when the trade went through. Now, they have one.

An Easy Ride for the King

There are many beneficiaries to Doncic’s presence, but none more so than LeBron James. The future hall of famer has had his plate full all season. Even with Anthony Davis by his side, the team has leaned hard on James to carry them through game after game.

That’s a lot to ask, even for one of the greatest players of all time. Now with Doncic on the floor, opponent’s can’t stack the key or put all their focus down low. They need to spread out, which opens up more scoring opportunities and keeps defenders on their heels.

James put together 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks against Denver

While those numbers aren’t too unusual for the strong forward, many of those baskets came off of great passes from Doncic.

The pair are two of the best scorers in the NBA, and they have now created a two-pronged attack that’s incredibly difficult to stop. Both can pass too. Things will only get easier as they both learn to play together.

“This is my fourth game,” Doncic said after the victory over Denver.

“Chemistry takes time. You saw today that it’s getting better. Every day, it’s getting better.”

Taking a Load Off

The Nuggets bounced the Lakers in their last two playoff runs, outsizing both James and Davis while lighting it up from the outside. While not every game between the two teams will go the way of the last one, it shows how much of an impact one player can have.

It also makes head coach J.J Redick’s job much easier

He’s had some issues finding the right rotation this year. Now, it seems things are slowly sliding into place. Nothing is set in stone, but the new addition is making everything easier.

“It was great,” the coach said of Doncic’s performance.

It was, and things are only going to get better.