When the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, fans were excited. They expected the team to become a powerhouse once the five-time All-Star returned from his calf injury. But when the Lakers faced the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, they were dealt a surprising 100-97 loss.
Doncic struggled during the game, shooting 5-for-18 from the field and making just one of nine three-point attempts. He finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, but those numbers were overshadowed by his six turnovers and five fouls.
The highlight of the night for Doncic came during a play involving Hornets guard LaMelo Ball. Doncic was left behind as Ball drove to the basket and assisted Mark Williams, tying the game with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Ball scored 27 points, including five three-pointers, helping his team secure the win.
This game marked the most minutes Doncic played since joining the Lakers, totaling 33 minutes. He had played 24 minutes in his debut on February 10 and 23 in the following game. While it’s too early to panic, fans should recognize that the team may face some challenges as Doncic adjusts to his new role alongside superstar LeBron James.
Lakers fans reacted enthusiastically to trade news, but it’s important to see the challenges ahead. Doncic might not be making the impact everyone hoped for just yet, and the Lakers have now lost two games in a row. While the excitement over acquiring such a talented player is understandable, winning titles requires more than just star power. The team needs time to find the right chemistry and for Doncic to elevate his game.
For now, it’s clear that the Lakers have some work to do. They will need to figure out how to maximize the talents of both Doncic and James if they want to contend for a championship in the future.
