Luka Doncic addressed key topics after the Los Angeles Lakers’ 104-98 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night.
The All-Star guard emphasized the importance of reading the defense when discussing how he and LeBron James created opportunities for teammates.
“Just do what the defense gives you,” Doncic said, per Ryan Ward. “They’ve got to give you something at some point. Once we saw them doing that, we were just telling those guys to shoot.”
Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent capitalized on those openings, combining for 40 points off the bench while knocking down 12 three-pointers.
Doncic, who played with Finney-Smith in Dallas, spoke highly of his former and now current teammate’s selfless attitude and work ethic.
“Those players you need on a team,” Doncic said. “Never complain. You can play 48 minutes, play zero, he’s never going to say a thing. And he’s a fighter, man. I always love him, I always love how he plays, and just happy to be reunited with him.”
Finney-Smith delivered his best scoring performance since joining Los Angeles, providing a crucial spark to help the Lakers secure the win.
Doncic also addressed the Lakers’ approach to the Western Conference standings as the regular season nears its conclusion.
“A little bit,” Doncic admitted when asked how much he and the team monitor their position. “We talk as a group mostly. But we just got to go game by game, and that’s what I always say. We can’t look forward. We got to go game by game. Every game is a different challenge, so we just got to go game by game.”
Los Angeles currently holds fourth place in the West with a 46-29 record, seeking to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
While the Lakers’ on-court chemistry has been evident, Doncic revealed that the team has yet to bond over a team dinner due to their demanding schedule.
“Well, we didn’t do dinner yet,” Doncic said. “We had so many games, so we didn’t have time for that. But off the court is great. Everybody joking in the locker room. Then when we need to lock in, we lock in. So the chemistry is a great part of it.”
The Lakers have played 19 games in the last 35 days, testing their endurance as they push toward the postseason.
Despite fatigue, the team has found ways to stay connected, with their ability to flip the switch when necessary becoming a defining trait.
Doncic’s leadership and ability to involve his teammates will be crucial as the Lakers continue their fight for playoff positioning.
Los Angeles will face the Denver Nuggets next in a matchup that could impact their seeding in the Western Conference.
With Doncic, James, and a deep supporting cast, the Lakers are looking to build momentum as they enter the final stretch of the regular season.
