Lakers Overcome Doubts, Flourish with Doncic’s Arrival

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have shown remarkable improvements since the acquisition of Luka Doncic, winning their fourth consecutive game by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-102 on February 27, 2025. The victory was highlighted by stellar performances from LeBron James, who scored 33 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, and Doncic, contributing 21 points and 13 rebounds.

The trade that brought Doncic to Los Angeles thrust Jaxson Hayes into a vital starting role, where he has excelled amidst initial concerns. In the game against Minnesota, Hayes recorded his best performance of the season, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds on perfect shooting from the field. “Shoot, when you play with Luka and LeBron, they’re gonna get you the ball,” Hayes said. “I just stood next to the rim and they just put it there.”

While recognizing the contributions of his superstar teammates, Hayes emphasized the importance of teamwork and preparation from the coaching staff. “Everybody on the team has just been flying around, playing like maniacs with their hair on fire,” he remarked. “It’s all about our scheme and coaching staff and guys executing.”

The Lakers are currently enjoying their best stretch of the season, improving to 14-3 since January 21. This impressive run places them second in the Western Conference, just behind their fierce rivals.

The Timberwolves faced significant challenges during the game, notably losing All-Star guard Anthony Edwards due to ejection with 5:27 left in the third quarter following his second technical foul. Dillingham led Minnesota with a career-high 25 points, but the loss marked their third defeat in four games.

Over the course of the season, the Lakers’ defense has notably tightened, despite key player Anthony Davis no longer being part of the roster. “Without him, we’ve just been grinding harder and proving that heart beats size,” Hayes said, recognizing Davis’s previous contributions. Currently, the Lakers boast a defensive rating of 112.7, moving them into the top 10 defensively league-wide.

Post-game, Doncic shared his excitement about the team’s synergy, stating, “The atmosphere has been unbelievable, and we just want to give the people what they want, and that’s winning games.” The appreciation for the team dynamic is clear, especially as Hayes continues to find his footing within the new system.

As the Lakers gear up for the upcoming playoff season, they will need to maintain their focus and intensity. Hayes concluded, “We just gotta keep it up, can’t get complacent. It’s all about staying locked in and keep going.” As they pursue their 18th championship, the synergy between the players, particularly the chemistry between Doncic and James, will be critical in their pursuit of success.