Luka Doncic has noticed a shift in how teams approach games against the Los Angeles Lakers. The star guard admitted he now understands why opponents bring extra intensity when facing his team.
“I didn’t believe it before, but they say if somebody is out a long time, then they play against the Lakers,” Doncic said, per Dave McMenamin. “So I think that’s normal [now].”
Doncic led the Lakers with 29 points and nine assists in their 108-102 win over the Clippers, securing their sixth straight victory. He also made five three-pointers, showing improvement in his shooting rhythm.
“Yeah, today I felt a little bit more comfortable,” Doncic said, per Ryan Ward. “As long as we get the win, which is six in a row, so that is what this is about.”
The Lakers improved to 38-21 despite missing Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura due to injuries. LeBron James contributed 17 points and nine assists, while rookie Dalton Knecht added 19 points off the bench.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 33 points and 10 rebounds, but his team has now dropped five of its last six games. The Clippers, now 33-28, mounted a late rally but couldn’t complete the comeback.
Norman Powell returned after missing five games but exited in the first quarter with right hamstring soreness. He scored four points in eight minutes before leaving.
The Lakers controlled most of the game, building an 86-66 lead late in the third quarter before the Clippers responded with a 22-7 run. Leonard’s three-pointer made it 107-102 with 1:40 left, but the Clippers missed their final six shots.
Doncic acknowledged the high expectations in Los Angeles and the energy that surrounds games at Crypto.com Arena.
“It’s been great,” he said. “The atmosphere has been unbelievable, and we just want to give the people what they want, and that is winning the games. That’s what we are doing right now.”
The Lakers shot 49.4% from the field and made 18 three-pointers at a 42.9% clip. Doncic went 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, while Knecht hit 5-of-8.
Defensively, the Lakers held the Clippers to 43.2% shooting and forced 12 turnovers. The Clippers struggled in the second quarter, failing to score for the final 7:35 while missing 10 consecutive shots.
James Harden finished with 13 points and eight assists but shot just 4-of-14 from the field. Kris Dunn added 15 points, while Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Jaxson Hayes, starting at center, contributed six points and seven rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith added 11 points, including two first-half three-pointers.
James is now just one point away from becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 combined regular-season and playoff points. He will have the chance to reach that milestone in the Lakers’ next game.
Los Angeles has won 16 of its last 19 games and continues to climb the Western Conference standings. The team will look to extend its winning streak when it faces the Denver Nuggets next.
