The Los Angeles Lakers need every player on their roster to step up if they want to mount a potential Finals run. While LeBron James continues to defy logic with his continuous impressive games, he cannot carry a roster the same way he did in his earlier years.
Since Rob Pelinka traded for Luka Doncic, the team has seen multiple players step up. However, everyone still expects the Slovenian star to take over more games as he becomes more familiar with JJ Redick’s system in Tinseltown.
His first couple of games for the Purple and Gold were messy, but his numbers slowly bounced back to the usual performances fans have become used to seeing out of him. His most recent outing against the New Orleans Pelicans shoed that he was worth the move ten times over.
Luka Doncic’s 35 points help the Los Angeles Lakers outplay the New Orleans Pelicans
The Lakers’ new-look Big Three of Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves all did their part to secure the team’s 108-124 victory over the visiting Pelicans. However, Doncic’s stat line grabbed the most headlines.
He was the most prolific scorer on the floor, netting 35 points on an efficient 47.6% scoring. He rounded out his performance with six rebounds and six assists.
Reaves was LA’s second-most-efficient scorer with 30 points on 61.5% shooting and 66.7% from deep. The idea of King James taking a step back with his 27 points, eight assists, and two steals may seem ridiculous, but that’s how well the team is performing.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans had to rely on Jose Alvarado’s 27 points to try and keep the game close as Zion Williamson was sidelined again. The next best scorer for the Pels in this game was Karlo Matkovic and his 15 points.
Is Doncic finally adjusting to life in LA?
Everyone knew that Doncic returning to form for LA was more a question when than if. The Slovenian superstar proved multiple times that he’s one of the league’s most unstoppable players, and his return to form was inevitable.
His averages for the Lakers haven’t been as high as last season’s. However, his averages of 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists easily make him one of the most unguardable players in the league.
It will not be easy for the Purple and Gold to make it out of a talented Western Conference, but Doncic’s return to form should make things more reasonable.
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