Luka Dončić emphasized effort and accountability after the Los Angeles Lakers ended a three-game losing streak with a 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night at crypto.com Arena.
“Oh, very well,” Doncic said when asked about the team’s response to head coach JJ Redick’s message from Saturday. “I think our effort was uh very high and you know, starting the game like that, getting deflection, getting steals, being physical.”
Doncic pointed to internal conversations among players as a key factor in the performance. “We talked about a lot in the group uh just between us so I think we all responded well,” he said.
With Austin Reaves sidelined, Doncic acknowledged that leadership responsibility falls more heavily on him and LeBron James. “I think it definitely starts with us,” Doncic said. “Now it starts with us and we need to show uh what we can do and if we’re going to do it, we both going to do it.”
The Slovenian added that strong play from the stars helps set the tone for the rest of the roster. “The group’s going to follow,” he said. “I think today was a show that everybody was locked in.”
Doncic finished with 34 points, including 15 in the second quarter, as the Lakers built a 68-53 halftime lead and never looked back.
Ball movement stood out early, with all four co-starters getting shots up within the first five minutes. “Just trying to get everybody involved, you know, a little more than I used to,” Doncic said. “When we play, when we share the ball, we move the ball, it’s great for us.”
Doncic also praised Nick Smith Jr., who scored 21 points off the bench while stepping into a larger role. “Obviously the scoring,” Doncic said. “Without him, it would be closer to the game, so he helped us a lot today.”
The Lakers opened the third quarter on a 13-2 run, extending the lead to 26 and effectively deciding the outcome. That stretch reflected a sharper defensive focus, something Dončić believes is essential moving forward.
“Getting deflection, getting steals, being physical,” he said. “That’s how we want to play.”
Doncic also addressed the importance of extended minutes alongside James during Reaves’ absence. “Yes, it is important,” he said. “AR’s out. Me and Bron going to play.”
James’ efficiency stood out, as he missed only two shots while scoring 24 points. “He knows what he’s doing,” Doncic said. “He was great today. Like you said only two shots missed. That’s insane.”
For Doncic, the win served as proof of what the Lakers can be when effort and execution align. “I think today was a show,” he said. “Everybody was locked in.”
