Luka Doncic spoke candidly after the Lakers’ 112-104 loss to the Clippers on Thursday, focusing on first-half struggles and the team’s eventual rally.
“Yeah, we just got to be better in the first half,” Doncic said. “Last three games, I think our defense was excellent in the second half. We just got to translate that to the first half.”
On the team’s passing and offensive rhythm, he added, “I don’t know. We had 24 assists which is not bad. Obviously, it could be better, but the ball was moving well in the second half. That’s how we got back.”
As the primary ball handler, Doncic acknowledged his responsibility in fostering trust and ball movement. “I mean, probably a lot,” he said. “As JJ said in halftime, the ball needs to move more, and that’s what we did.”
Doncic emphasized leadership during slow starts. “Just keep playing basketball. Stay together. The energy was there. Obviously, I didn’t help the team enough to win this game, but the energy from everybody was there.”
He also praised contributions from teammates in specialized lineups. “Drew has been doing an incredible job, just playing the right way and playing his game. Vanderbilt was unbelievable tonight, every game fighting. We just have to help him out.”
Regarding the fourth-quarter surge that brought the Lakers within two points, Doncic noted the crowd’s energy. “I felt like there was a lot of Lakers fans here, and when we made the shot, the crowd went. Obviously, it’s a rivalry because it’s in the same city, but that’s it.”
Looking ahead to the next game in Dallas, Doncic reflected on returning to his former team. “Always going to feel like home there. I needed that game to move on a little bit. I really appreciate those fans. We had some special bonding, so I really appreciate it all the time.”
He also mentioned the upcoming six-game road trip as an opportunity for team cohesion. “Basically, we spend every day with each other, travel together. Definitely maybe not in Dallas because it’s going to be ice and snow, so that one might be tough, but it’s good to be together.”
Doncic finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in the loss, while LeBron James added 23 points. The Clippers were led by Kawhi Leonard’s 24 points, marking his 23rd straight 20-point game, and Ivica Zubac’s 18 points and 19 rebounds.
