Luka Dončić’s Struggles Raise Questions After Lakers Trade Deal

LOS ANGELES — Luka Dončić described his performance as “horrible” during a postgame interview after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-102 on Thursday night. The remark, made in the wake of his first six games as a Laker, hints at potential greatness once he finds his rhythm. Dončić was acquired in a blockbuster trade on February 1, exchanging the Dallas Mavericks’ star for a package led by Anthony Davis.

Since joining the Lakers, Dončić has struggled with his shooting, averaging 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists while hitting just 36.5 percent of his shots overall and 22.4 percent from beyond the arc. He scored 21 points and secured 13 rebounds against the Timberwolves, yet his frustration was palpable after making only one of his nine three-point attempts.

“Luka’s dad is all of us 🤯” said the official Lakers account on Twitter when Dončić finally nailed a deep three late in the game, showcasing glimpses of his former self despite his ongoing struggles.

LeBron James, who recorded a triple-double with 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists, continues to perform at a high level, providing a buffer for Dončić as he navigates his transition. The Lakers have won 16 of their last 20 games and are currently tied for fourth in the Western Conference with Houston.

Dončić has shown flashes of brilliance, creating opportunities for teammates like Austin Reaves, who scored 23 points, and adapting to the Lakers’ league-leading defense that has improved since mid-January. Despite the rough start, Dončić’s presence has opened the floor for others, leading many to envision a more lethal Lakers squad once he regains his shooting form.

Rumors persist that before trading Dončić, the Mavericks explored deals involving Minnesota’s young star Anthony Edwards. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison reportedly reached out to the Timberwolves, but was promptly told no when he inquired about Edwards’ availability. League sources reported that the Timberwolves were surprised at the idea of Dallas parting ways with Dončić.

The significance of Dončić’s integration into the Lakers extends beyond the court. His arrival in Los Angeles as one of the NBA’s biggest international stars brings immense global marketing opportunities for the league. Long before his matchup against Edwards, Dončić sparked excitement during pregame warm-ups at Crypto.com Arena, drawing cheers as if he had just made a game-winning shot.

“The atmosphere has been amazing. Even when I’m playing bad — I don’t think I’ve had a good game here yet — but every time I check in, they cheer for me,” Dončić expressed after the game, highlighting the support he feels from Lakers fans.

The future appears brighter for the Lakers with Dončić in their lineup. As the 26-year-old continues to find his footing, James emphasized the importance of maintaining patience. “It’s gonna happen. We’re not worried about that,” James asserted regarding Dončić’s adjustment period.

While the Lakers focus on building chemistry and maximizing their potential, the league keeps a close eye on what this partnership could evolve into. As Dončić works to find consistency, the Lakers have positioned themselves as serious NBA title contenders.