Luka Doncic is quickly adapting to life with the Los Angeles Lakers after his high-profile trade to the team last month. The NBA world was shocked when the Dallas Mavericks decided to trade their franchise star, sending him to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Since the move, Doncic has been outstanding, averaging 26.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in his first 15 games with the Lakers (via StatMuse). His presence has energized the team, turning them into legitimate championship contenders and lifting them to the fourth seed in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, who are tied for second.
In the Lakers’ recent victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Doncic played a key role, posting a near triple-double to help secure their second straight win. The Slovenian superstar, who now holds the longest active streak of 20-point games by a Lakers guard since Kobe Bryant in 2013, was asked about his transition to Los Angeles after the game.
“It’s amazing,” Doncic said. “Everyone in the locker room is great. There’s a lot of joking around. I feel amazing, and everyone has accepted me so well. It’s great.”
In the win against the Spurs, Doncic finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, and 14 assists, continuing his impressive run. Over his last five games, he’s averaging 31.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 8.0 assists, including a Lakers-high 45-point game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 13 (via StatMuse).
Currently in the third year of his five-year, $215 million contract with the Mavericks, Doncic has the option to opt out and potentially sign a long-term deal with the Lakers at the end of the season. With his exceptional performances and growing rapport with his teammates, the Lakers are hopeful that he’ll decide to make Los Angeles his permanent home.
Leave a Reply