Luka Doncic faced a challenging night in his third game with the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting against the Charlotte Hornets. Despite his shooting woes, the Lakers are not hitting the panic button just yet.
Doncic, who recently returned from a calf strain injury, acknowledged his rustiness and expressed the need to improve his performance. He emphasized the importance of playing basketball the right way and learning from his mistakes.
Although Doncic's shooting percentages have been subpar in his initial games with the Lakers, his teammates and coaching staff remain supportive. LeBron James highlighted that Doncic is still adjusting to the team's plays, defensive strategies, and overall dynamics, given his recent arrival and injury layoff.
Despite the back-to-back losses to Utah and Charlotte, the Lakers are confident that Doncic will find his rhythm and contribute significantly to the team. Doncic's rebounding and positive plus-minus rating in the Charlotte game were encouraging signs amidst his shooting struggles.
Teammates like Austin Reaves emphasized the need for Doncic to stay true to his playing style and expressed confidence in his ability to adapt quickly. The Lakers are optimistic that Doncic's integration into the team will progress smoothly over the coming games.
Looking ahead, Doncic is eager to put his slow start behind him and focus on helping the Lakers succeed. With upcoming games against Portland and Denver, Doncic is determined to showcase his skills and make a positive impact on the team's performance.
Despite the initial challenges, Doncic remains enthusiastic about representing the Lakers and is grateful for the opportunity to play for one of the premier franchises in the NBA. As he continues to acclimate to his new team, Doncic is determined to elevate his game and contribute to the Lakers' success moving forward.
With the next home game against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, on the horizon, Doncic is motivated to demonstrate his value and make a statement in front of the Los Angeles crowd.
