Luka Dončić is finally comfortable with the Los Angeles Lakers. The team secured its sixth straight win on Sunday night, continuing a dominant stretch in 2025. The blockbuster trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Mavericks shocked the NBA. Both teams are adjusting to their new stars, but the Lakers have adapted much faster. In their recent two-game mini-series against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers took off the ‘kid gloves’ with Luka Dončić.
Lakers Take ‘Kid Gloves’ Off With Luka Dončić, And He Responds Emphatically
The Mavericks struggle with a depleted frontcourt due to injuries, including Davis. They recently signed Kai Jones to compensate, but their results remain inconsistent. Meanwhile, the Lakers have surged despite seeing only glimpses of Dončić’s brilliance. LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura have carried the scoring load as Dončić settles into his new role.
In just eight games, Dončić has already delivered statement performances. His best game came against the Denver Nuggets. He posted 32 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and a block in a dominant road win. Against his former team, Dončić secured a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. However, his latest game against the Clippers revealed the Lakers’ full potential.
Lakers Remove ‘Kid Gloves’ In Win Over Clippers
The Lakers’ back-to-back victories against the Clippers were significant. The team swept its crosstown rival, but the bigger takeaway was Dončić’s evolving role. Injuries to Reaves and Hachimura forced the Lakers to rely on Dončić and LeBron alone against a top-ranked defense.
Head coach JJ Redick and his staff closely analyzed Dončić’s conditioning and chemistry with LeBron. In his first few games, Dončić looked sluggish, possibly weighing over 270 pounds after missing two months with a calf injury. Against the Jazz, he ran out of breath midway through the game. Against the Clippers, he looked much sharper.
In the first game, Dončić shot 9-of-22 from the field. In the second, he improved to 9-of-17. His first quarter in the rematch was a vintage Dončić showcase. He scored three three-pointers, grabbed three steals, and dished three assists while hitting 4-of-5 shots. He talked trash, joined a Clippers huddle, and even attempted his signature pregame half-court shots.
Dončić Still Has Room To Grow
Dončić remains far from his peak. He committed six turnovers against the Clippers, many unforced. However, his teammates will adjust to his passing and movement over time. As rookie Dalton Knecht said after the game, “Easy. Super easy. Makes life easy for our offense and open shots for everybody”
Dalton Knecht on how is it playing with Luka: 'Easy. Super easy. Makes life easy for our offense and open shots for everybody.' pic.twitter.com/x8ALV4nW7Y
— Iztok Franko (@iztok_franko) March 3, 2025
Knecht himself had 19 points, his highest total in a Lakers win since November. The rookie has struggled after a hot start to his career, but his offensive skill set complements Dončić well. If Knecht continues improving, he could become a key contributor.
Lakers’ Championship Aspirations Are Real
Despite Dončić’s brilliance, the Lakers still have weaknesses. Their biggest issue remains their lack of an elite big, which will be exploited in the playoffs. The rescinded Mark Williams trade left them vulnerable in the paint. However, the team has proven that effort and defensive schemes can overcome flaws.
Some believed that trading for Dončić prioritized the Lakers’ future over immediate success. Instead, the team is showing that a championship run is possible right now. With Dončić rounding into form and LeBron still playing at an elite level, the Lakers are a legitimate title threat.
© Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
