Luka Dončić is still finding his rhythm with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the adjustment process showed in their 100-97 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. The four-time All-Star struggled with efficiency, shooting 5-for-18 from the field and 1-for-9 from three-point range, finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.
Speaking after the game, Dončić acknowledged the difficulties of getting into an offensive groove with his new team. “Yeah, obviously, it’s going to take a little time,” he said, per Ryan Ward. “Today was a lot of rustiness on my part. Starting the game with four or five turnovers, that can’t happen. Just gotta play basketball the right way.”
The Lakers led 65-53 late in the third quarter before Charlotte responded with a 22-1 run, taking control of the game. Austin Reaves’ ejection during that stretch shifted the momentum further, allowing LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges to capitalize. The duo combined for 56 points, with Ball sealing the victory with a clutch layup in the final seconds.
Dončić, in just his third game since joining Los Angeles, was visibly frustrated with his mistakes but remained optimistic about the process. “It’s about learning how to play together,” he said. “Spacing, timing, where guys like the ball—it’s all part of it. But I have to be better.”
LeBron James led the Lakers with 26 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, but his two potential game-tying three-pointers in the final moments fell short. The Purple and Gold struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 29.4%, and had trouble executing in crunch time.
Dončić’s chemistry with his new teammates is still developing, particularly in late-game situations. Head coach JJ Redick addressed this after the loss, emphasizing the need for patience. “That’s just the reality of having six days off as a group and trying to integrate new pieces,” Redick said. “And that happens sometimes.”
Despite the struggles, Dončić remained focused on improving. “Every game is a learning opportunity,” he said. “We’ve got to move on and get better.”
Dončić, who is still settling into his new role, also addressed his involvement in key moments, particularly when it comes to distributing the ball. “It’s both ways. He had it going, so obviously, we’re gonna go to him,” Dončić noted. “I think you go both ways, so one time it’s gonna be him, one time it’s gonna be me, so I think it depends on how the game’s going.”
The Lakers, now 32-21, will need Dončić to find his rhythm quickly as they navigate a competitive Western Conference playoff race.
