A Night of Breakthrough in Denver
Lakers coach JJ Redick, alongside Luka Doncic, celebrated a much-needed victory on Saturday night as the Lakers emerged triumphant with a 123-100 win over the Denver Nuggets. The victory was not just a number on the board but a significant emotional milestone for Doncic. Redick had spoken to Doncic about a "blackout moment"—a moment when the superstar gets so immersed in the game that he starts reacting vehemently, be it toward the bench, fans, or even himself. Redick saw this as a sign that Doncic was overcoming the emotional and physical challenges he had faced since the trade. "That means he’s back," Redick said. "That’s the Luka I know. The killer."
Doncic’s Return to Form
Doncic delivered a standout performance, scoring 32 points, the most he has put up since December 15. His role as the primary ballhandler was pivotal, and his leadership on the court was evident. For the first time since joining the Lakers, Doncic seemed unburdened. The trade from Dallas came as a shock, and the emotional weight of that decision had lingered. However, on Saturday, his game was characterized by a newfound sense of freedom. Doncic’s emotional release during the game, from his intense reactions to his full-court press stints, demonstrated a shift in his mental state. "Yeah, I think you can see it, you know, me smiling on the court, having fun," Doncic said post-game. "JJ told me, you gotta have one, that ‘blackout moment’ you have. So I think I have one. Just felt like me a little bit so I was happy.”
The Emotional Fallout of the Trade
The journey to this moment wasn’t easy for Doncic. The trade from the Dallas Mavericks was unexpected and carried with it a cloud of controversy. The Mavericks cited concerns about Doncic’s conditioning and health, which were thinly veiled criticisms of his commitment. Dallas General Manager Nico Harrison praised the new acquisitions, Anthony Davis and Max Christie, while indirectly highlighting areas where Doncic fell short. “Listen, one thing about me, I’m not going to talk bad about any players," Harrison told reporters. "I mean, that’s not going to do us or me any good. I just say there’s levels to it. There’s people that fit the culture and there’s people that come in and add to the culture. And those are two distinct things. And I believe the people that [are] coming in are adding to the culture.” Despite the mixed messages, Doncic’s resolve remained unshaken.
Embracing the Lakers’ Vision
The Lakers, on the other hand, have been unwavering in their support of Doncic. Both the front office and Redick have shown a strong commitment to integrating Doncic into the team’s long-term plans. Redick believes that Doncic should be the primary orchestrator of the offense, a role he is well-suited for due to his exceptional court vision and playmaking abilities. “I think Luka needs to be the guy that controls the offense,” Redick said. “And Bron and AR, because we’re gonna stagger everybody, they’re gonna have their times to be on the ball. But all three of those guys are very intelligent basketball players and we can create mismatches. We can get teams in the blender.” On Saturday, the Lakers’ half-court offense was a testament to this vision, with James, Reaves, and Doncic working seamlessly to exploit the weaknesses in Denver’s defense.
A Team Effort
While Doncic’s performance was the highlight, the victory was a team effort. LeBron James and Austin Reaves also had stellar games, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ offensive and defensive prowess. The team’s chemistry, though still developing, was on display as they fought on defense, won 50-50 balls, and dominated the boards. James noted, "He was super dialed in. He was very locked in on what he wanted to do out here on the floor tonight. Once he started hitting those step-back threes and got to yelling and barking, either at the fans or at us or himself, you could see the change." The synergy between the players provided a glimpse of the potential this Lakers team possesses.
Looking Forward
As the Lakers face the Mavericks in Los Angeles on Tuesday, the focus will be on building on the positive momentum from Denver. Doncic, along with his teammates, believes that winning a championship is their ultimate goal. “I think our goal is — not I think — I know our goal is to win a championship,” Doncic said. “That’s our only goal. And I think we have the team for that. Obviously the chemistry with me and the guys, it’s gonna take a little time still. But, like you saw today, I think it’s getting better and better.” Redick echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that while there is still much work to do, the team is moving in the right direction. “Every day is going to get better,” Doncic reiterated, a statement that resonates with the Lakers’ coaching staff and fans alike.
Signing Off
The road ahead is long, but the Lakers’ win against the Nuggets and Doncic’s breakthrough performance signal a promising start. For more updates and in-depth content, sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers. This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
