Everything is falling into place to show that Luka Doncic is strictly the place he belongs. His magic has solely been on the rise, and his time with the lakers is already being etched into historical past. There have been whispers of some bumps alongside the street as he adapts to his new squad, however recreation after recreation, the chemistry is changing into simple.
Some won’t say it typically, and others could disagree, however Doncic has been reborn in Los Angeles. The vitality he brings to the ground reveals that his time in Dallas could have been working on autopilot somewhat than hovering to new heights. Not too long ago, Luka despatched a loud and clear message to the lakers teaching staff-he can do issues just a few on this league can, however they should belief him. Their lack of religion price them, and Luka made positive their punishment had a military-level sting.
Luka’s reminder: belief the magic
Viral moments just like the one which set the web ablaze show that he is comfy with the Lakers. His physique language is totally different, his bodily presence is totally different, and most significantly, his recreation is at its peak. he isn’t simply enjoying for a contract-at instances, it seems like he is enjoying out of pure loyalty.
Pushing the bounds with those that have “authority” requires a wholesome locker-room dynamic, and the Lakers appear to have it. When everybody is aware of their price, issues run smoother. Perhaps the coaches doubted Luka’s half-court shot, however their lack of belief got here again to chew them-because Doncic wasn’t about to let that slide.
When doubt turns into remorse
Luka completed the night time main the lakers with 34 factors, seven rebounds, and 7 assists, taking pictures 52.4% from the sphere and flattening six threes. He had an opportunity to shut it out with a floater, however the shot simply missed. Fortunate for him, LeBron was there to scrub it up, placing within the game-winner on the buzzer. Humorous sufficient, Luka had hung out earlier within the recreation drilling ridiculous pictures from everywhere in the court docket, but perhaps, simply perhaps, that earlier doubt from the teaching employees crept in for a cut up second. This time they have one another’s backs, and LeBron made positive Docic knew that.
With solely 10 video games left within the common season, each second counts for the lakers. The western convention standings are a decent battle, with la sitting in fourth place, simply 2.5 video games behind the houston rockets for the second seed. However there’s little room for error-the distinction between third place and eighth place is razor-thin. If the lakers wish to make an actual push, they will have to hold trusting one another. And if Luka retains enjoying like this, they simply may be unstoppable.