Luka Doncic acknowledged he has plenty of room to improve after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 125-117 on Friday night, despite his 23-point performance and a career-high 11 turnovers.
The Lakers improved to 2-0, with Austin Reaves scoring 28 points and Walker Kessler adding 22 points and six blocks. Doncic said the team’s second-half improvement began with its defense, which helped Los Angeles pull away in the third quarter.
“I think it started with our defense. I think we did some great things faster in that second half, starting that third quarter,” Doncic said. “So, got out and ran and got some turnovers on their side, so we could score from that.”
Doncic was candid about his own performance, particularly when asked about the 17 combined turnovers he and Reaves committed.
“Obviously my game was terrible, but we are 2-0,” Doncic said. “I think we have a lot of room still left to improve.”
The Slovenian star also joked with reporters after being asked about the turnovers, pointing out that Reaves had also contributed to the total. Despite the mistakes, Doncic said the Lakers’ early-season performances had left him encouraged about their offensive potential.
“I think we have a lot of improvement,” he said. “But me and AR, we have a lot of room left, so it’s very exciting news, honestly.”
Doncic also praised the team’s new additions, saying he had been encouraged by their energy through the opening two games.
“Really good. I know we’re just starting, but I saw some great stuff. I was very excited to go to play games with those guys,” he said. “I think everybody has been, like, the energy has been very good. And I think everybody played great.”
Kessler’s role has been one of the early talking points. Doncic highlighted the center’s ability to operate in the short roll, a developing part of the Lakers’ offense.
“The fact that he’s so good is really good, especially for a tall guy like him,” Doncic said. “But his role has been great. He just wanted to go for the team, and he’s done that.”
Doncic also welcomed seeing former teammate Rui Hachimura, who scored 16 points for the Clippers.
“It was just great to see him as my guy. We had two and a half years together, you know, great friends,” Doncic said. “So it was very nice to see him.”
The Lakers will visit the Utah Jazz on Sunday, while the Clippers travel to Oklahoma City.
