After being out for six weeks due to a calf injury, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is still working on regaining his fitness and rhythm while adjusting to his new team and environment.
However, the five-time All-NBA guard hasn’t had the advantage of facing weaker opponents during this process. On Friday against the L.A. Clippers, Doncic showed glimpses of his former self by hitting two clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. Despite not shooting efficiently, he managed to record his second 30-point game with the Lakers.
Balancing getting back in shape with adapting to a new team is challenging, but Doncic’s aggressive approach signals progress. After their 106-102 victory, the 26-year-old said he immediately noticed how connected the team plays and feels he’s slowly returning to form without disrupting their chemistry.
“I think the first thing I noticed was how connected they play on both ends of the floor,” Doncic said. “The ball is moving and that’s the first thing I learned or watched the first time. For me, it was just trying to fit in with a little bit of different basketball than I’m used to. But since I’ve been back, they just let me be me and I got a long way to go, but slowly I’m starting to feel like myself.”
The two clutch 3-pointers Doncic made were his signature step-back shots, a hallmark of his game. This time, his success came from being decisive and not waiting for the perfect moment.
“Yeah, a little bit, yeah,” he said. “I think the thing I was doing different was don’t wait for it, just go. And that’s what helped me in the fourth quarter.”
In seven games with the Lakers, Doncic is averaging 21 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 37.3% from the field and 24.1% from beyond the arc. While fans eagerly await a standout performance, the Lakers continue to find ways to win while integrating one of the league’s top talents.
Luka Doncic praised the Lakers’ bench for their win over the Clippers. Despite missing Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, the second unit played a key role on both ends of the floor, helping the team secure the hard-fought victory.
