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DENVER (AP)— That’s precisely what the Los Angeles Lakers envisioned when they executed their stunning trade for Luka Dončić earlier this month.
Following a shaky start with a 1-2 record and an average of 14.7 points in his initial three games with LA after transitioning from Dallas, the 25-year-old star delivered an outstanding performance in a Lakers uniform on Saturday night in Denver.
Dončić lit up the scoreboard with 32 points, pulled down 10 rebounds, assisted his teammates with seven assists, and intercepted four passes, leading the Lakers to a decisive 123-100 victory over the Nuggets, who had been on a nine-game winning streak.
“I finally feel like myself again,” Dončić expressed. “Playing this game is what I love. Just being myself again is why I smiled throughout the game.”
LeBron James was also in high spirits, contributing 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks — with Dončić connecting with him several times for fastbreak attempts as the Lakers maintained control throughout the game against a familiar foe.
“I’m a natural-born wide receiver, and he’s a natural-born quarterback,” joked James.
Reflecting on his developing rapport with the Lakers, Dončić acknowledged that the chemistry, including with James, is still growing.
“This is only my fourth game,” he noted. “Building chemistry takes time. You could see today it’s improving. Every day, it’s getting better. … It’s challenging, different, but I’m thrilled to be playing basketball. Each day will bring improvement for me. I’m happy to be here and excited for this new journey.”
Luka Dončić, pleased after his standout game with the Lakers: ‘I’m excited for this new journey.’
The performance of this duo in Denver may instill a sense of optimism for the Lakers and their supporters about the possibility of a more profound playoff run. This deep run has evaded them for the past two years, when the Nuggets eliminated them in the first round, winning eight out of nine games with James and Anthony Davis together.
The Lakers managed only nine turnovers compared to Denver’s 22 and recorded 15 steals to the Nuggets’ six. Although both teams took a similar number of shots, the Lakers converted on nine more baskets.
While they allowed Nikola Jokic to achieve his 26th triple-double of the season, the Lakers restricted the reigning MVP’s shooting to just 2-of-7 and forced him into an unusual six turnovers.
“It was definitely their night,” sighed Jamal Murray. “Both offensively and defensively.”
The Lakers led the entire game, marking their first victory in Denver since April 10, 2022.
Dončić, who scored 19 points by halftime, had been gradually adapting to his new team and returning to form after sidelining himself for several weeks due to a calf injury. However, James noted that in Denver, he witnessed a focused Dončić, the version that had propelled the Mavericks to last year’s NBA Finals.
“Once he started landing those stepback threes, you could see him yelling or getting energized, whether at fans, himself, or us,” stated James.
Prior to the game, Lakers coach J.J. Reddick expressed his desire to see the fiery side of Dončić, hoping for a “blackout moment” where he would vocalize his passion. He got that moment when Dončić sank a three-pointer in the closing moments of the first half, followed by an enthusiastic shout.
“It was fantastic,” Reddick remarked.
Dončić’s energy was evident again shortly after, as he received a technical foul for arguing that the Nuggets hit him in the head on a missed floater just before halftime.
The third quarter commenced with Jamal Murray at the free-throw line, and his successful shot sparked an 8-0 run for the Nuggets, closing the gap to 63-62.
The Lakers countered with a 10-0 run, highlighted by James’ electrifying dunk and Dončić’s long-range three-pointer, ultimately leading LA to its 14th win in 18 games.
Now, the Nuggets embark on a four-game road trip, with Coach Michael Malone remarking that “no one will be intimidated by the Denver Nuggets coming to visit.”
Murray, for his part, wasn’t concerned that this singular defeat foreshadowed an end to the Nuggets’ recent stronghold over the Lakers.
“Give them credit; they played really well,” Murray acknowledged. “We’ve had their number for a few years now. It’s just one game, and there’s no need for overreaction.”
