Luka Doncic spoke after the Los Angeles Lakers' 119-117 loss to the Chicago Bulls. When a reporter asked him about the chemistry he is building with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, Luka appeared to get annoyed, noting that it'll come soon, but he does face this question from reporters every game. He added that they haven't had much time to practice, but the chemistry is being built slowly but surely.
"We got to figure out how to play all three together. You guys ask me this question after every game, but we're just trying to figure it out. We haven't had a lot of practice. I think it's coming."
Doncic hasn't been on the Lakers for very long, with it just being a little under two months since the franchise executed the trade for him. He only began playing for them in the middle of February. And while it was a slow start, it was understandable given that Luka was coming off the worst injury of his career and having to adapt to a new coach, a set of teammates, and a set of schemes.
Eventually, the Slovenian superstar would regain his rhythm and has now returned to being the dynamic scorer again, frequently scoring near or more than 30 points per game. Last night against the Bulls, Doncic had 25 points (8-22 FG), 10 rebounds, eight assists, two rebounds, and one steal. His less-than-stellar shooting led to him not getting past the 30-point mark on the night.
Since joining the Lakers, Luka has been averaging 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 41.5% from the field, 37.5% from the three-point mark, and 78.4% from the free-throw line.
Luka Reacts To Heartbreaking Loss
During the same press conference, Luka Doncic also spoke about the nature of tonight's loss, as it all came down to Josh Giddey's miracle heave from half-court. Luka explained why a loss of this kind, especially when the win is within your grasp, can be so difficult to palete. He added that the back-to-back element also weighs heavy on him and the team after a loss like this.
"It's hard to lose like that. We basically had the game in hand. When you lose like this, it's hard, especially in a back-to-back. I think we fought hard. It's hard to lose like that."
Doncic would also compare this loss to another one he suffered around this time last year to the Cavaliers while he was on the Mavericks.
"I mean, it's like the one I had in Cleveland last year, which was an even crazier shot. It was three-quarters, so just gotta process it. It's a tough way to lose, but it is what it is."
Given just how down to the wire things got last night, it is understandable why Doncic and the Lakers will be upset. But it is in their best interest not to let this loss get to them, as they still have nine games remaining in the season, including two games with the first-seed Thunder and second-seed Rockets each.
Right now, it is time for the Lakers to lock in, focus, and try to win as many games as possible to improve their current 44-29 record in the Western Conference.
