Luka Doncic addressed the media following the Lakers’ 119-117 loss to the Chicago Bulls. When asked about his chemistry with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, he seemed slightly frustrated, noting that he gets asked the same question after every game. He acknowledged that the chemistry is still developing but emphasized that they haven’t had much practice time together.
“We have to figure out how to play all three together. You guys ask me this after every game, but we’re just trying to figure it out. We haven’t had a lot of practice. I think it’s coming,” Doncic said.
Doncic has only been with the Lakers for about two months since being traded, having joined them in mid-February. His transition was challenging at first, given that he was recovering from the worst injury of his career while adjusting to a new team, coach, and system. However, he has since regained his form, regularly putting up 30-point performances. Against the Bulls, he recorded 25 points (8-22 FG), 10 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and a steal, though his shooting struggles kept him from reaching the 30-point mark.
Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 41.5% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 78.4% from the free-throw line.
Luka Reacts to Heartbreaking Loss
Doncic also reflected on the loss, which came after Josh Giddey’s improbable half-court buzzer-beater. He admitted that these kinds of defeats are particularly tough to process, especially when victory feels within reach. He also pointed out the added difficulty of playing on back-to-back nights.
He compared this loss to a similar experience last season when the Mavericks lost to the Cavaliers on a deep buzzer-beater.
“I mean, it’s like the one I had in Cleveland last year, which was an even crazier shot. It was three-quarters, so just gotta process it. It’s a tough way to lose, but it is what it is.”
Despite the disappointment, the Lakers can’t afford to dwell on the loss, with nine games remaining in the season. Their focus now has to be on winning as many games as possible to improve their 44-29 record and secure a strong playoff position, including crucial matchups against the top-seeded Thunder and second-seeded Rockets.
Leave a Reply