Luka Doncic is off to a spectacular start in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers following LeBron James' departure. Over the past two weeks, the ninth-year star has scored at least 37 points in five consecutive games, topping 40 in four of them, while shooting 53.1% from the field and making 34 three-pointers during that stretch.
The surge began with a 52-point game at Utah and continued through back-to-back home victories over the weekend. Doncic posted 45 points and 15 rebounds in a win over Toronto on Sunday, then followed with 42 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds in a blowout of Miami on Monday. "It feels good, but when we win, it feels way better," Doncic said. "That's the only important stuff."
Teammates and coaches have marveled at the display. Guard Quentin Grimes called it "surreal," saying every shot Doncic takes — whether a circus attempt or a step-back three — looks like it is going in. Coach JJ Redick compared the offense to a spaceship at light speed, noting that defenses are blitzing Doncic with two or three players, only to watch him find open teammates.
The Lakers have capitalized, going 37 for 80 from three-point range in the past two games while scoring 269 total points. Los Angeles is 6-2 despite integrating nine new players, and Doncic's defensive effort — including five steals against the Raptors — has added another dimension. "It's not just me, it's everybody," Doncic said. "Everybody is in the right spots and shooting with confidence."
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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