In a surprising twist on the court, the Lakers faced an unexpected setback as their new acquisition, Luka Doncic, delivered a performance that left fans and teammates alike raising eyebrows. In a game that saw the Lakers fall to the Charlotte Hornets 100-97, Doncic struggled mightily—turning the ball over five times in the first quarter alone and finishing with just 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting.
With Anthony Davis sidelined due to an abdominal strain, the pressure on Doncic to adapt to the Lakers’ system has only intensified, prompting a strong response from veteran leader LeBron James.
Adjusting on the fly: LeBron James' candid take on Luka Doncic’s struggles
The recent trade, which brought Luka Doncic into the Lakers’ fold alongside Anthony Davis, was anticipated to ignite a new era of success. However, early signs indicate that the transition may not be as smooth as hoped. During Wednesday’s game, Doncic not only found himself grappling with the defensive schemes and intricate play signals that have been honed since last September, but he also became the first player in NBA history to register five-plus turnovers in the first quarter without playing the full period. His stat line, which included 11 rebounds and eight assists alongside the turnovers, painted a picture of a star still in adjustment mode.
After the final buzzer, the ever-experienced LeBron James stepped forward, clearly concerned about the growing challenges.
“He still doesn't know all the plays. He doesn't know all the defensive coverages, all the signals and things that we've built since September,” James told reporters after the game. “So obviously we're trying to fast-track it on the fly. He's coming back from his injury. He's getting back into form. So we're all working through it together.”
LeBron James' remarks underscored not only the learning curve faced by Luka Doncic but also the team’s commitment to supporting him during this transitional period.
While the game saw two near-miss opportunities for a game-tying three-pointer in the dying seconds—both of which clanged off the front iron—there is a clear determination within the Lakers' camp to refine their strategies. The Lakers now look ahead to their next challenge against the Portland Trail Blazers, a fixture that will undoubtedly test their resilience further.
In an environment where every game is a learning opportunity, LeBron’s supportive stance reflects both the high expectations and the shared commitment among teammates to overcome early hurdles and build a cohesive unit for the season.