Luka Doncic highlighted the Lakers’ ability to win despite a shooting slump after Los Angeles edged the Utah Jazz 108-106 at Delta Center on Sunday.
“I’m not worried at all. We didn’t play our best game and we still find a way to win,” Doncic said.
The Slovenian star credited team unity for overcoming challenges. “We have each other’s back. Great teams find a way to win, and today by far was not our best game and we found a way,” he said.
Doncic also praised Maxi Kleber’s defensive effort and energy in the closing minutes. “He got us going especially defensively. He does all these little things that don’t show in statistics, and he won every one of them,” Doncic noted.
He acknowledged the unusual week of rest and practices helped the team recover physically. “My legs were cooked, no rhythm, but it was good to get some rest. All the little contusions are gone, and JJ was putting together practice with the full group,” he explained.
Doncic also reflected on the team’s early chemistry. “Since training camp, we had great chemistry. We hung out together a lot, that’s how you build it. It’s pleasant to play with these guys,” he said.
On the court, Doncic’s 33 points and 11 rebounds, combined with 17 points and eight assists from LeBron James and 22 points from Austin Reaves, powered Los Angeles past Utah. The Lakers led by nine points before a 16-2 Jazz run in the third quarter, but a Doncic 3-pointer sparked a 13-0 run that sealed the decisive lead.
Maxi Kleber capped the game with his 1,000th career field goal on a dunk late in the fourth, helping Los Angeles improve to 12-4. Utah fell to 5-11 despite Lauri Markkanen’s 20 points and Keyonte George’s 27 points.
The Lakers will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, while Utah visits Golden State on Monday.
